Nutrients in Food

Ngā Whāinga Ako

• Be able to list the major nutrients found in food
• Be able to say what each nutrient is used for

Food is a daily necessity.

Without food organisms will eventually die!

The process of acquiring, digesting and using food is called nutrition

Nutrients

There are four main nurtients the body needs:

1. Carbohydrates,
2. proteins,
3. lipids,
4. vitamins & minerals

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are sugars and starches which are mostly found in plant tissues
• They provide an immediate source of energy.

• The long chains of carbohydrates are broken down into the smaller sugar mocules by the body
• The small (sugar) molecules from carbohydrates are used by the body to release energy and make the body work

Proteins

• Proteins are long chain molecules made of amino acid units
• Proteins are used in the construction of new cells for growth and repair
• They also control reactions in our body (enzymes)

Lipids

• Lipids include fats and oils and are made of fatty acids
• Our bodies store energy as lipids
• Lipids help keep the body warm and are used in making cell membranes

Which foods are rich in each nutrient?

Vitamins

• Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally
• Some vitamins can be made in our body (vitamin D and K) but most are acquired through our diet

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

• Found in citrus fruits, green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, sweet and white potatoes
• Promotes a healthy immune system, helps wounds heal, maintains connective tissue and aids in the absorption of iron

Vitamin B12

• Found in eggs, milk, cheese, shellfish, meat and poultry
• It is important for metabolism, the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of the central nervous system which includes brain and spinal cord

Vitamin E

• Found in corn, nuts, olives, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils and wheat germ
• Protects cell membranes and tissues from damage, aids in the formation of red blood cells

Vitamin A

• Found in animal sources such as eggs, meat and diary products
• Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A comes from green leafy vegetables and intensely colored fruits and vegetables
• Use in maintenance of tissue in the eyes, growth and healthy of skin and mucous membranes, development of teeth and skeletal tissue

Vitamin K

• Found in cabbage, cauliflower spinach and other green leafy vegetables as well as cereals
• Helps blood clotting

Vitamin D

• The body makes vitamin D when exposed to the sun
• Found in cheese, butter, margarine, fortified milk, fish and fortified cereals
• Promotes absorption of calcium, essential to development of healthy bones and teeth

Minerals

Dietary minerals are the chemical elements required by living organisms other than C, H, O and N.

Fibre

• Fibre refers to the indigestible portion of plant foods.
• Pushes food through the digestive system, absorbs water and eases defecation.

Task: Match these up!

Task: Who has the most nutritious snack?

Find a wrapped snack in your bag with a food label - have a look at the ingredients, move around the classroom and try find the person with the most nutritious snack!