What Does The Food Pyramid Represent?

In the United States, the most widely recognized food pyramid was introduced by the Department of Agriculture(USDA) in 1992. It provided nutritional guidance designed to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including the prevalence of obesity, through improved food choices. Although the food pyramid was subsequently updated and has since been replaced by the USDA's "MyPlate," the five main food groups are still visually represented by different colors and proportions. The actual amount of each food group that you should eat, however, depends on your age, sex and level of physical activity.

Green: Vegetables

Vegetables make up the largest portion on MyPlate. Whether raw, cooked, fresh, frozen, canned or in the form of 100 percent vegetable juice, they all count toward the vegetable group. The USDA further organizes vegetables into five subgroups based on their nutrient content: Starchy, red and orange, beans and peas, dark green and any other vegetables that do not fall into one of the first four subgroups. Most vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories but still provide vitamins and nutrients that are essential for good health.

Red: Fruits

Together with vegetables, fruits make up the remainder of half MyPlate. Fruits offer health benefits whether they are fresh, canned, frozen, dried or in the form of 100 percent fruit juice. According to the USDA, a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Orange: Grains

In terms of recommended proportions, grains are second only to vegetables on MyPlate. The USDA divides grains into two subgroups: Whole grains and refined grains. Whereas whole grains contain the entire grain kernel, refined grains have been milled, a process that gives grains a finer texture and improves their shelf life, but also removes much of their nutritional benefit. For a healthy diet, at least half your grains should be whole ones.

Purple: Protein

Together with grains, protein makes up the remainder of the second half of MyPlate. Meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, processed soy products, nuts and seeds are considered part of this group. Beans and peas are, too, because they are unique. A healthy diet consists of a variety of lean and low fat proteins, including -- for non-vegetarians -- at least eight ounces of cooked seafood each week. In addition to supplying important nutrients, proteins also function as essential building blocks for the body.

Blue: Dairy

Dairy, represented by a cup to the side of MyPlate, makes up the fifth food group. Milk and most products made from milk count toward dairy consumption; this includes cheeses, yogurts and milk-based desserts. Some foods made from milk, such as cream cheese, cream and butter retain little to no calcium and are not considered part of this food group. For a healthy diet, most dairy should be fat-free or low in fat.