Nutrition and Digestive system Flashcards
What are the main nutrients in the body
Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats, Minerals, Vitamins, Fibre and Water
What are Carbohydrates
These are like fuels for the body. They are used to provide the body with energy.
What are Proteins
Proteins are used for growth and repair of damaged cells. Enzymes are also proteins.
What are Fats
long term energy supply. Fats are used as a store of energy for when the body runs out of
carbohydrates. Also important for insulation, organ protection, cell membranes and sex hormone
production.
What are Minerals
For general health. Eg Iron for blood cells, calcium for bones and teeth, sodium for
nerves and iodine for the thyroid gland.
What are Vitamins
Vitamins are needed in very small amounts. They help keep many vital processes
happening. Eg vitamin C for the immune system
What is Fibre
Sometimes called roughage. Fibre provides bulk and gives the digestive system an internal
work out.
What are the functions of water
75 % of the body is water. All chemical reactions in the body take place in water.
What are foods that provide proteins
Meat, fish, eggs, dairy
What are foods that provide Carbohydrates
bread, Pasta, rice, potatoes
What are foods that provide Fats
Butter, olive oil, dairy, whole eggs
What are foods that provide Vitamins and Minerals
Fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, yoghurt
What are foods that contain Water
Milk, soft drinks, beer, coffee, tea
Why is obesity bad for your health
Obesity makes bodily movement difficult and
puts a strain on our heart. Fat can block blood vessels and cause a heart attack.
Why is being underweight unhealthy?
people often lack vitamins and minerals as well as energy
food
To what is Carbohydrate broken down to and by what and where?
It is broken down to glucose by Salivary amylase and carbohydrase enzymes in the mouth and small intestine.
To what is Protein broken down to and by what and where?
It is broken down to Amino acids by Pepsin and other protease enzymes in the stomach and small intestine
To what is Fat broken down to and by what and where?
It is broken down to fatty acids and glycerol by lipase enzymes and bile in the small intestine.
What are the organs of the digestive system
Liver, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, mouth, the salivary glands, oesophagus, gall bladder, pancreas
What is the function of the mouth
Here the food is chewed and moistened with saliva. The food is shaped into a small ball before swallowed.
What is the function of the large intestine
This is a wide tube that the undigested food passes through. Water is absorbed from this back into the body
What is the function of the small intestine
This is a very long tube that the food passes into after it leaves the stomach. Here the food is completely digested and then is it absorbed through the walls and into the blood stream.
What is the function of the stomach
This is a bag that churns up the food. It contains gastric juice and hydrochloric acid. Gastric juice contains an enzyme that digests protein. The acid kills germs.
What is the function of the liver
The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile. This helps carry away waste products from the liver. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver.
