Human Nutrition Flashcards
What is human nutrition?
It describes the science of food and how it affects our health
What are the functions of food?
-Provides energy
-Provides raw materials for growth of new cells
-Repairs tissue
What are the 5 main food groups?
-Carbohydrates
-Fats
-Proteins
-Vitamins
-Minerals
What are the functions of water?
-For use in chemical reactions inside our cells
-To help transport substances throughout our bodies
-To help control our body temperature, e.g. sweat
-Remove waste from our bodies, e.g. urine
What is the main source of energy in the body?
Carbohydrates
What is a balanced diet?
-A diet that gives your body all the nutrients it needs to function correctly.
-Each food group needs to be present in the right amount
What is a food pyramid?
-It indicates suggested amounts that are needed each day from the food group
-In general, more foods are needed from the bottom of the pyramid, and less are needed from the top.
-This can differ for different people
How many Kilojoules do girls require per day?
10,000
How many Kilojoules do boys require per day?
12,000
What elements make up fats?
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
What is the function of carbohydrates?
Provides energy for brain and blood cells
What is the function of fats?
-Provides insulation to keep the body warm
-Provides a protective layer around organs
-Form part of cell membranes
-Important source of energy in the body
-Waterproof layer on the skin
What are the elements in proteins?
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen
What are proteins made up of?
Amino acids
What is the function of proteins?
-They join with fats to form cell membranes
-They form hair, skin, feathers, nails, muscle, egg white and enzymes, antibodies and some hormones
What are some sources of proteins?
Meat
Fish
Eggs
What are carbohydrates made up of?
Sugars
What are fats made up of?
Triglycerides
Vitamin A:
1. Source
2. Function
3. Deficiency results in…
- Fish liver
Carrots
Whole milk - Needed for good eyesight
- Poor skin
Night blindness
Vitamin B:
1. Source
2. Function
3. Deficiency results in…
- Wholemeal bread
Red meat
Leafy vegetables - Controls the release of energy from food
- Issues for the nervous and muscular systems
Vitamin C:
1. Source
2. Function
3. Deficiency results in…
- Citrus fruits
Broccoli
Potatoes - Healthy gums and skin
- Scurvy
Bleeding gums
Wounds that heal slowly
Vitamin D:
1. Source
2. Function
3. Deficiency results in…
- Sunshine
Cod liver oil
Dairy - Needed for healthy bones and teeth
- Rickets
Bones that are weak and deformed
Vitamin K:
1. Source
2. Function
3. Deficiency results in…
- Green vegetables
Bacteria living in the gut - Needed to clot blood
- Wounds that heal slowly
What are the 3 most important minerals for humans?
-Calcium
-Iron
-Magnesium
Calcium:
1. Function
2. Source
- Strengthens bones and cell walls in plants
- Dairy
Fish
Nuts and seeds
Iron:
1. Function
2. Source
- Forms haemoglobin
- Nuts and seeds
Red meat
Magnesium:
1. Function
2. Source
- Maintains nerve and muscle function in the body and to form chlorophyll
- Fish
Nuts and seeds
Watermelon
Zinc:
1. Function
2. Source
- Immune system and to heal wounds
- Nuts and seeds
Beef
Dairy products
Potassium:
1. Function
2. Source
- Helps muscles work, including your heart and breathing muscles.
- Fruits (bananas)
Leafy greens
Nuts
