NUTRITION

WHAT IS NUTRITION Our diet consists of the food we eat We get nutrients from the food we eat, these

nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals

Therefore nutrition is the term used to describe how we get nutrients from the food we eat. The process by which we get the nutrients is known as digestion.

In this Power Point we will look at macro- molecules; their importance as well as sources.

We will also look at a balanced diet which includes water and fiber

FOOD GROUPS The food we eat contain macro-

molecules as well as vitamin, minerals, fiber and water

Macro- molecules are;1. Carbohydrates2. Proteins 3. Fats

CARBOHYDRATES Carbohydrates are necessary for energy Carbohydrates are broken down into

smaller molecules such as glucose, which the body uses to make energy

Excess carbohydrates are stored in the body

Carbohydrates can be found in most sugary food, therefore if you eat something sweet you know it contains carbohydrates

Not all carbohydrates are sweet, whole grains, rice, bread and pasta contain carbohydrates

PROTEINS Protein are necessary for growth and

repair of cells Proteins are made up of long chains of

different amino acids that are broken down in the digestive process

It is these amino acids that the body use Proteins can be found in milk, meats,

soya and most dairy products

FATS Fats are important to keep our body

insulated, to keep our cell membranes in tact

Fats are needed in small amounts in the diet as excess unused fat can be stored around our organs and under our skin.

Fats are also a source of energy, however it takes a while to release the energy and is only used when all carbohydrates are exhausted.

Butter, cheese, nuts, avocado, oils are high in fat

VITAMINS AND MINERALS Vitamins and minerals are needed in small

amounts and are very important for the proper functioning of the body

A diet that lacks certain vitamins and minerals will result in deficiency diseases

For example a lack of iron will result in anemia, lack of calcium will result in weak bones

Vitamins and minerals are found in fruits and vegetables as well as other foods such as milk and grains cereals just to name a few

WATER More than 50% of our body is made up

of water Water is very important as it is the main

solvent for substances in our body, it also helps with the movement of particles in the body

6-8 250ml glasses of water a day

FIBER Fiber also known as roughage is the

undigested parts of food and is moved along the digestive system where it is egested through the anus.

Fiber is important to help the movement of food along the intestine.

Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole grain food.

BALANCED DIET A balanced diet is a diet where we get

the required amount of nutrients that the body needs to function properly in the correct quantities

“WE EAT TO LIVE, NOT LIVE TO EAT” A balanced diet means eating the

correct proportion of certain foods

WHAT DETERMINES A BALANCED DIET Age – babies, children and adults require

different amounts of energy. A child is very active compared to an elderly person and will need more carbohydrates. Babies as well as children will need a lot of protein for growth

Pregnancy- a pregnant woman needs nutrients to nourish her baby

Lifestyle – an athlete will need more energy than a non athlete

Therefore a balanced diet depends on many factors, that’s why dieticians create diet plans for individuals.

FOOD PYRAMID The pyramid gives a general idea of the

proportion of the different types of food we should eat.

Remember a balanced diet varies on different factors, therefore the pyramid will vary.

BALANCED DIET PYRAMID

QUESTIONS1. Give the function of each of the

following Water Fiber Carbohydrates Proteins Fats 2. What is a balanced diet3. List three factors which determines a

balanced diet

ASSIGNMENTWrite down what you eat for the day and

state whether the following are present;

Macro- nutrients Fiber Vitamins and minerals Water From this determine which of the above is

highest and the lowest in your food and whether or not you have a balanced diet, use the food pyramid as a guide