Nutrition and diet

• What are nutrients?

  Compounds in food that provide energy, help with repair and growth, and support life processes
• Why are some nutrients necessary even if they do not provide energy?

  They are essential for various bodily functions
• What are the two categories of nutrients?

  1. Macronutrients: needed in large amounts (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, water, fibre)
  2. Micronutrients: needed in small amounts (minerals, vitamins)
• What is a balanced diet?

  A diet that contains all seven food nutrients in the correct quantity and quality

  
• What is the role of carbohydrates in a balanced diet?

  To provide energy
• What are organic molecules and give examples?

  • Large molecules made by living organisms
  • Contains carbon
  • Examples: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and fibre
• What are inorganic molecules and give an exception?

  • Small molecules not made by living organisms
  • Do not contain carbon
  • Exception: CO2
• What factors influence daily energy requirements?

  Age, sex/gender, and type of job

  
• What happens if we eat too little food?

  We do not get enough energy
• What happens if we eat too much food?

  Excess food will be converted to fats for storage
• How does a person's diet change throughout life?

  • Pregnant females need more calcium, iron, vitamin D, and fibre
  • Breastfeeding females need more calcium, vitamin D, iron, and protein

  
• What are the principal dietary sources of nutrients?

  1. Carbohydrates
  2. Lipids (fats & oils)
  3. Proteins
  4. Vitamins (C & D)
  5. Minerals (calcium & iron)
  6. Fibre (roughage)
  7. Water
• What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

  Needed for energy
• What is glucose used for in the body?

  As a storage molecule, it is combined to form glycogen
• Where is glycogen stored in the body?

  In the liver and muscle cells
• What are some sources of carbohydrates?

  • Potatoes
  • French fries
  • Maize
  • Pasta
  • Wheat
  • Bread
  • Oatmeal
  • Rice
  • Sugars (jam, sweets, fruits)
• What are triglycerides composed of?

  Glycerol and 3 fatty acids
• What is the role of lipids in the body?

  Needed for energy and to make new cell membranes
• How do lipids protect vital organs?

  By serving as an insulator and reducing heat loss
• What are some sources of lipids?

  • Cooking oils
  • Meat
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products
• What are the functions of proteins in the body?

  Needed for growth, repair, and to make other proteins
• What is haemoglobin and its function?

  It transports O2 in red blood cells

  
• What is the role of insulin?

  Needed to convert glucose into glycogen for storage
• What are some sources of proteins?

  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products
  • Peas
  • Beans
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
• Why are vitamins important?

  They are organic molecules needed in small amounts and cannot be made in the body
• What are the two vitamins mentioned in the study material?

  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
• What are the sources of Vitamin C?

  Fresh citrus fruits, kiwis, mangos, papayas, and leafy vegetables
• What is collagen and its importance?

  A fibrous protein needed for wound healing and tissue repair
• What are the effects of Vitamin C deficiency?

  Causes scurvy, leading to joint pain, bleeding gums, and poor wound healing
• How is Vitamin D obtained?

  Most is made when the body is exposed to sunlight
• What is the role of Vitamin D in the body?

  Needed for absorption of calcium and growth of bones and teeth
• What are the effects of Vitamin D deficiency?

  Causes rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults
• What are the two most important minerals mentioned?

  1. Calcium
  2. Iron
• What is the role of calcium in the body?

  Needed for formation of teeth and bones, blood clotting, and nerve impulse transmission
• What are the effects of calcium deficiency?

  Causes brittle bones and teeth, rickets, and poor blood clotting
• What is the role of iron in the body?

  Formation of haemoglobin to transport oxygen
• Why are females at greater risk of iron deficiency?

  They lose large amounts of blood during menstruation
• What are the functions of fibre in the diet?

  • Keeps the alimentary canal healthy
  • Helps prevent constipation
  • Promotes peristalsis
• What percentage of the human body is made up of water?

  60 – 75%
• What is the role of water in the body?

  It is a good solvent and forms part of cytoplasm, blood plasma, and urine