No one food or group of foods contains all of the nutrients you need. The Department of Agriculture uses a Food Pyramid to outline what types and amounts of food make up a healthy diet. Protein helps your body heal itself and fight infection. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese give you protein as well as many vitamins and minerals. Grains, such as bread, pasta, rice, and cereals, provide a variety of carbohydrates and B vitamins.
Carbohydrates provide a good source of energy, which the body needs to function well.
Milk and other dairy products provide protein and many vitamins and are the best source of calcium. Fruits, grains, and vegetables, in addition to being a staple in the Food Pyramid, top the list of cancer-figting foods. The National Cancer Institute suggests that people eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Similarly, the World Health Organization suggests a pound of produce per day. Research in animals has shown that phytochemicals can block, suppress, or inhibit chemical reactions that cause cancer to develop and spread.