Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Food Nutrients Food groups should not be confused with food nutrients. Food nutrients are substances found in foods that allow the body to carry out all its necessary processes. They are essential to all persons. They are six types: Proteins The main function of protein in the body is the building of tissues and muscles. We get proteins from animal products such as meats, fish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Most vegetarians get protein from vegetable sources such as peas, beans and nuts. A deficiency in protein will lead to a disease known as kwashiorkor. Carbohydrates The main function of carbohydrates is to supply the body with energy. They are made up of sugars and can be classified as simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates include fruit of all kinds. They also include candy, gum, mints and other kinds of sweets, honey and even some kinds of chocolate. Simple carbohydrates that come from nature are the best carbohydrates to include in the diet. Therefore, it is advised that we eat fruit rather than sweets. Complex carbohydrates are found mainly in starchy foods, including grains, legumes and vegetables. These foods give us the most energy. They also play an important role in weight control (as opposed to sweets) as they supply the body with energy in a constant, longer time-released manner. 1 © caribbeanexams Some carbohydrates are rich in fiber, which is an important element to the body as it helps to cleanse our digestive tract. Too much carbohydrates, however will lead to obesity and weight related illnesses. Fats Fats provide the body with twice as much energy as carbohydrates. They are important in the diet to give energy, transport fat-soluble vitamins and give a feeling of fullness after eating. It is becoming increasingly clear, however that excessive amounts of total fat may lead to an increased risk of heart diseases. We should therefore limit our fat intake. Minerals There are a variety of minerals. Some of the most important ones are listed below along with their function: ▪ Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the body. It is vital for the formation of healthy bones and teeth and for keeping bones strong later in life. We get this mineral from dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables and even sardines. A deficiency in calcium will lead to weak bones and osteoporosis. ▪ Iron carries oxygen in the blood. The best sources of iron are meats (especially liver). Foods from some plants, such as dried beans, dark green leafy vegetables and grains are also good sources of iron, especially when eaten along with foods rich in vitamin C. An iron deficiency leads to a condition known as anemia. ▪ Iodine is found in sea salt. An iodine deficiency can lead to a condition known as goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland. 2 © caribbeanexams ▪ Phosphorus is necessary for building bones and teeth. Milk, cheese, eggs, meat, legumes, nuts, whole grain cereals and vegetables are good sources of this mineral. ▪ Salt is needed by everyone. A person needs about 1 level teaspoon of salt per day and more when he or she perspires a great deal. A person who is not getting enough salt will become weak. Vitamins Vitamins, like minerals, are of different types. There are about 13 vitamins that are absolutely necessary for good health. Vitamins of great importance are listed below: ▪ Vitamin A plays a very important role in eye function and in keeping the skin and mucous membranes resistant to infection. It can be found in foods from animals. Vegetarians can get this food from yellow, orange and green vegetables, yellow fruit and in the fat of animal products like fish, milk, eggs, and liver. Also, cheese made from whole milk and margarine enriched with vitamin A supply this vitamin. A deficiency in this vitamin leads to night-blindness and very scaly skin. ▪ Vitamin C is needed for wound healing; for the development of blood vessels, bones, teeth and other tissues, as well as assisting the body to absorb some minerals. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, melons, berries, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, raw cabbage, and turnip. Potatoes provide helpful amounts of vitamin C as do tomatoes and peppers. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to scurvy and sores and wounds that do not heal. ▪ Vitamin D is readily available in fortified milk. Sunlight enables the body to produce this vitamin if it has a chance to shine directly on the skin. Vitamin D is needed for 3 © caribbeanexams absorbing calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones and teeth. For that reason it is added to most milk. It is also found in fatty fish, liver, eggs and butter. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to Rickets, a disease which causes bone deformity and osteoporosis, which is low bone density (or brittle bones). ▪ Vitamin E helps preserve cell tissues. It is found in a wide variety of foods, so it is easy for most people get to get enough for their needs in their daily diet. Vegetable oils and whole grain cereals are very rich sources. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to neurological problems. ▪ Water is often called the forgotten nutrient, but it is very important as it is needed to replace lost body fluids. Water helps transport nutrients, remove waste and regulate body temperature. A lack of water will leads to dehydration and even death. 4 © caribbeanexams