Human nutrition Flashcards
What are carbohydrates?
- Made up of simple sugars.
- Contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms
- Provide energy
What are proteins?
- Made up of long chains of amino acids.
- Contain carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen atoms
- Used for growth and repair of tissues
What is fibre?
Plant material which is difficult to digest. Keeps food in the alimentary canal soft and bulky, aiding peristalsis
What vitamins are needed by the body?
- Vitamin A helps improve vision, keeps skin and hair healthy
- Vitamin C prevents scurvy
- Vitamin D helps calcium absorption
What minerals are needed by the body?
- Calcium for bones and teeth
2. Iron to make haemoglobin for healthy blood
What are lipids?
- Mainly fats and oils.
- Contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms
- Provide energy and insulation
What is an amino acid?
Basic unit of a protein
What is a fatty acid?
One of basic units of a lipid, along with glycerol
What is glycerol?
One of basic units of a lipid, along with fatty acids
What is glucose?
Small soluble molecules that make up carbohydrates
What is the iodine starch test?
Add iodine solution; if starch is present, sample changes from brownish-orange to blue-black.
What is Benedict’s reagent?
Used to test for glucose. Add reagent to sample and heat. Positive test produces precipitate – colour changes from blue through yellow to red
What is amylase?
Converts starch to maltose
What is protease?
Converts proteins to amino acids
What is lipase?
Converts lipids to glycerol and fatty acids
