Vegetable products: list. Products of vegetable origin and animal origin: a comparison of advantages and disadvantages

We are what we eat. This truth is familiar to many. At the same time, we are all different, different by sex and age, and also by taste preferences. Probably, therefore, disputes about what products are most useful do not subside. Today we want to conduct a comparative analysis of two large groups of food products: food of plant and animal origin. As a result, in addition to the conclusions, a list will appear. Vegetable products, as well as heavier ones, from the point of view of nutritionists, but more nutritious in their properties, of animal origin, are well known to all of us, but it will not be superfluous to systematize our knowledge.

Systematizing the whole experience of modern dietology

In fact, it's difficult to separate one from the other. Only at first glance, the standard food pyramid reflects the diversity of food available. As you know, it is based on cereals and cereal products, above are fruits and vegetables, then proteins (milk, meat, fish), and at the very top - sweets and fat. This pyramid clearly shows how much in your diet places should occupy those or other products. However, it does not separate the products of vegetable origin (the list will be given below) from their analogues of animal origin. Both proteins and fats can be supplied to our body from different sources, giving different loads to the digestive organs, as well as different energy potential. Therefore today we decided to divide these two important groups of products among ourselves.

Plant food

These are useful and extremely necessary for our body products. These are all those gifts that we receive from plants. By the way, mushrooms and algae do not belong here, in their properties they stand in the middle between food vegetative and animal. What are the useful products of plant origin? The list will allow you to form the most useful and complete diet. So, this is primarily a source of fiber, which is so lacking in abundance in the diet of animal proteins and fats. In the products of this group, there are a lot of vitamins and minerals, amino acids. However, let's look at each group separately.

Cereal products

This is the basis of our nutrition. Every day in the diet these products of vegetable origin should be present. The list is quite extensive. These are cereals and flour products. First of all, they include cereals and legumes. A feature of these types of food products is a large amount of protein. They are easier to digest than products of animal origin, but they are very nutritious and give a huge supply of energy. Of all the variety of plant products, cereals can act as a full-fledged meal. Soy and peas, beans and beans, buckwheat and millet are all useful and not very high-calorie protein products of plant origin. The list can supplement wheat and barley, alfalfa and flax, hops and lentils. In addition to proteins, fats and carbohydrates, they contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals.

Fruits and vegetables

A huge role in our nutrition is played by vegetables. These are different parts and fruits of herbaceous plants and shrubs. And it can be roots, like carrots, or leaf buds, for example cabbage, and maybe stems (asparagus). All products of vegetable origin from this group are easily digested, contain few proteins and fats and a large amount of vitamins. If vegetables are, rather, the main food, then the fruits are a useful and delicious treat. These are the fruits of trees that are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber. By adding them regularly to the diet, we not only provide ourselves with energy, but also increase immunity.

Berries, nuts, herbs

These herbal products are additional sources of nutrients, vitamins, trace elements and minerals. Berries in their properties are very similar to fruit, but contain more organic acids, creating a load on the teeth and digestive tract. If you decide to exclude products of animal origin for a while, then be sure to include nuts in the menu. They are easily digested, contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates, vitamins, that is, they are a full meal. However, they are very caloric and quite expensive. Finally, the fragrant herbs that we use as seasonings have many useful substances, they contain vitamins and substances that improve digestion.

Products of animal origin

Here it is necessary to return to our nature. Ancient people did not in vain use for food not only what they extracted by gathering, but also hunting trophies. Because for optimal functioning, humans need products of animal and plant origin. You can list the first ones yourself, they are on your table every day. This meat and offal, fish and eggs, as well as milk. And it is very important and useful to use not only and not so much whole milk as sour-milk products. This is primarily kefir and cottage cheese, sour cream and cheese. They are rich in proteins and fats, contain carbohydrates and vitamins, as well as various enzymes. Of course, the nutritional value of products of plant origin is much inferior to their nutritional value. However, to say that for the body are useful only one or the other products, too, can not. The optimal ratio is 30% of the diet, consisting of meat, fish, cottage cheese, about the same amount is allocated to cereals, and everything else is fruits and vegetables. That is, 70% of our diet should be allocated to products of plant origin.

Analysis in the end

Animal products are the main source of protein, which can not be replaced by anything. However, their main drawback is high caloric content, the presence of high-melting fats and harmful cholesterol. However, choosing low-fat fish and chicken fillet, eggs and low-fat dairy products, you practically neutralize these shortcomings. The protein contained in them is an extremely important building material, the stock of which must be updated daily. In addition, it is a source of essential amino acids. That is, these products should be on the table every day. But this does not detract from the merits of plant foods. Vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, fiber, vegetable protein and fats - all this gives cereals, vegetables and fruits, so the optimal diet can only be with the use of all these products.

And what's the list?

We did not mention products that can not be unequivocally attributed to one of these groups. Despite the fact that honey, propolis and other products of beekeeping are not originally of animal origin, they are attributed to this group. Mushrooms stand out as well as algae, which are rich in carbohydrates and microelements. Yeasts and microorganisms are not food, but they help us to get rich bread and delicious yogurt for breakfast, so they are also part of our diet.