Nutrition

• A balanced diet consists of all food groups and nutrients in the correct proportions
• The necessary food groups and nutrients are:

  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Lipids
  • Fiber
  • Vitamins and Minerals
  • Water
• A lack of these nutrients lead to malnutrition
• State the functions and sources of carbohydrates

  A source of energy - found in wheat, vegetables, fruit and potatoes
• State the functions and sources of protein

  Growth and repair of cells and tissues - found in meat, dairy products and beans
• State the functions and sources of lipids

  Insulation of organs and energy storage - found in nuts, seeds and butter
• State the functions and sources of fiber

  Provides bulk to stool - found in vegetables and whole grains
• State the functions and sources of water

  Needed for chemical reactions in cells
• State the functions and sources of calcium

  Needed for strong teeth and bones, involved in blood clotting - found in dairy products, eggs and meat
• State the functions and sources of Vitamin D

  Helps the body to absorb calcium, required for strong bones and teeth - found in seafood, meat and dairy
• State the functions and sources of iron

  Needed to make haemoglobin in red blood cells - found in seafood, meats, dairy and leafy greens
• State the functions and sources of Vitamin A

  Needed to make melanin and lipofuscin in the retina for vision - found in meat, dairy and leafy greens
• State the functions and sources of Vitamin C

  Forms an essential part of collagen and acts as an antioxidant in the body against oxidative stress - found in citrus fruits and vegetables