Food for Energy

Food for Energy

People get energy from food. Sugar, for example is a fast source of energy, while pasta or rice gives

us energy at a slower rate. Therefore, it is important to know how energy and food go together. Let's work with some information about nutrients and find out how well we are taking care of ourselves.

NUTRIENTS

There are six main groups of nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.

PROTEINS

Are complex molecules made up of amino acids. They give us energy and are very important for growth. They are the most important building blocks of our body.

Multiple Choice

What's the main component of proteins?

• Lactic acids.

• Fatty acids.

• Amino acids.

Young children need plenty of protein in their diet. The body can produce some of them itself. Muscles, skin and hair, for example, are made up of proteins, but we must get others from food. Food from animals as well as plant seeds are good sources of protein. They are found in cheese, eggs, fish, meat, milk, and also in nuts, peas and beans. Vegetarians have to include beans, nuts and seeds in their diet to make sure that they have enough proteins.

Multiple Choice

Which of these body parts are not made of proteins?

• Hair.

• Bones.

• Muscles.

• Skin.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following food do vegetarians need to have enough proteins?

• Nuts.

• Seeds.

• Beans.

• All of them are correct.

CARBOHYDRATES

Are the main source of energy for our body. Sugars and starches have carbohydrates in them. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate. It gives us energy to walk and run. It also provides energy to the brain.

Multiple Choice

Wat's the main function of carbohydrates?

• They build up our bones.

• They protect our skin.

• They give us energy.

It can be found in dairy products such as milk. There is a lot of sugar in foods such as chocolate, syrup, fruit, honey, jam and jelly. Starch does not taste sweet like sugar but it gives us as a lot of energy. It is found in beans, peas, potatoes and cereals (such as rice, wheat and maize), and their by-products (flour, bread, pasta, etc.) These provide our body with a constant supply of energy.

Multiple Choice

Which of this food is NOT rich in carbohydrates?

• Bread

• Jam

• Honey

• Vegetables

FATS

Are needed in small amounts. They store vitamins and produce fatty acids. We need these acids to produce cell membranes.

Multiple Choice

What's the main function of fats?

• They produce fatty acids, responsible of the creation of cell membranes.

• They store vitamins.

• Both of them are correct.

Fats can come from animals or plants. They are in meat and dairy products like butter and cheese. Other types of fats are in vegetable oils found in nuts or seeds. Too many saturated fats produce a high level of cholesterol.

Multiple Choice

What illness is associated with high levels of saturated fats?

• Diabetes.

• Hypertension.

• Cholesterol.

VITAMINS

Our body needs a variety of vitamins to stay healthy. There are many different types of vitamins, but we are going to deal with only four:

Vitamin A is found in food such as liver and carrots. We need it to keep our eyes healthy.

Vitamin B is a complex vitamin. Vitamin B is found in yeast products and cereals.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and green vegetables.

Once in the body, vitamin D goes to the skin where it is made 'active' by sunlight.

Multiple Choice

People with lack of vitamin A cannot see properly.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Where can't you find Vitamin C?

• Fruits.

• Vegetables.

• Cereals.

MINERALS

Are needed for growth. They are inorganic because they are not made up from living things. Our body needs different amounts of various minerals. Calcium and magnesium, for example, are important for bones and teeth. We also need small amounts of iron. It is a component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to red blood cells.

Multiple Choice

Minerals are made up from living things.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The text mentions the importance of iron, why?

• It helps to carry oxygen to cells.

• It helps to build bones and teeth.

• Both of them are correct.

Minerals are necessary for three main reasons: building strong bones and teeth, controlling body fluids inside and outside cells, and turning the food you eat into energy.

Multiple Choice

Why are minerals important for our bodies?

• They build strong bones and teeth.

• They control body fluids.

• They provide us with energy.

• All of them are correct.

WATER

Although water does not give us energy, it is the most important nutrient; we cannot go on without water for more than a few days. Water has many functions in our body. It helps digest food, and cools the body down when it becomes too hot. The body also carries away waste products in a watery solution.

Multiple Choice

Which of these functions has nothing to do with water?

• It helps to digest food.

• It cools the body down when it becomes too hot.

• It gives us energy.

• It carries away waste products from the body.

Our body needs about 2-3 litres of water a day. We get it from the water and liquids we drink but also from fruits, vegetables and other food.

Multiple Choice

How many litres of water do we need to drink daily?

• 1-2 litres.

• 2-3 litres.

• 3-4 litres.