Nutrition and Nutrients

Topic: Nutrients in our Food
At the end of the lesson you will be able to
1. Mention the five classes of nutrients we have
2. identify the functions of each class of food
3. Give examples of the food with the nutrients contained.

What are nutrients?

​Nutrients are substances found in food that carry out certain jobs in the body.

We need different nutrients to keep us healthy. We get nutrients from foods and drinks. The different types of nutrients are:

• carbohydrate

• fibre

• protein

• fat

• vitamins

• minerals

​What do nutrients do?

Nutrients play an important role in keeping our bodies healthy.

The food we eat contain different nutrients and they have specific roles to play in how health our body is.

So, let us look at the role played by each nutrient.

Carbohydrate is found in foods like potatoes, bread, rice and pasta. Carbohydrate provides energy.

​Carbohydrate

Multiple Choice

• Fruit

• Vegetables

• Carbohydrates

• Dairy

Multiple Choice

The purpose of carbohydrates is:

• to provide a layer of insulation for protection.
• to boost the immune system and fight off infection.
• to provide the body with energy.
• to help us get a good night's rest.

Multiple Choice

Carbohydrates are needed for ...

• Growth and Repair

• Energy

• Hydration

• Insulation

Fibre is found in foods like wholegrain breakfast cereal, wholemeal bread, brown rice, vegetables, fruit, beans and lentils. Fibre helps to keep the digestive system healthy.

​Fibre

Multiple Choice

Why do we need fibre in our diet?

• Growth and Repair

• To prevent constipation

• Insulation

Protein is found in foods like beans, lentils, chickpeas, fish, eggs and meat. Protein can also come from milk, cheese and yoghurt. Protein is needed for the growth and repair of muscles.

​Protein

Multiple Choice

Which nutrient helps rebuild and repair muscles?

• Dairy
• Sodium
• Carbohydrates
• Protein

Multiple Choice

• Protein

• Dairy

• Carbohydrates

• Fruit and Vegetables

There are lots of different vitamins, such as vitamin A, C, D and E. Different vitamins do different jobs in the body. Vitamin C is found in fruit and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, red peppers and broccoli. Vitamin C helps wounds to heal.

​

​Vitamins

Multiple Choice

Which nutrient helps control body functions such as digestion, metabolism, and wound healing?

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Water
• Vegetables

​Fat

We only need a small amount of fat to keep us healthy. There are two main types of fat: unsaturated and saturated fat. Unsaturated fat is healthier for us and it is mostly found in lower fat spreads and oils from plants, such as sunflower oil or olive oil. Saturated fat is found in foods like butter and lard. Fat helps the body to absorb some vitamins

Multiple Choice

Which nutrient insulates the body against the cold and protects internal organs?

• Proteins
• Fats
• Minerals
• Nutrients

Multiple Choice

Fish, nuts, oils and avocado are healthy sources of....

• Fiber
• Protein
• Minerals
• Fat

Multiple Select

Lipids are needed for ...

• Growth and Repair

• Energy

• Hydration

• Insulation

• Protect Organs

There are lots of different minerals, such as calcium, iron and zinc. Different minerals do different jobs in the body. Calcium can be found in foods like milk, cheese and yoghurt. Calcium can also be found in dairy alternatives, such as soya drinks if they have calcium added. Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth.

​Minerals

Multiple Choice

How does calcium help our body?

• Builds muscle
• Helps eyesight
• Develops red blood cells
• Builds strong bones

Multiple Choice

Which nutrient contributes to water balance, metabolism, and muscle function?

• Protein
• Minerals
• Water
• Vitamins

Multiple Choice

When you don't drink enough water you can become:

• silly
• hyper
• intoxicated 
• dehydrated 

Multiple Choice

This nutrient makes up 75% of your body:

• water
• vitamin A
• carbohydrates 
• protein 

Multiple Choice

• Protein

• Carbohydrates

• Fats and Sugars

• Dairy

Multiple Choice

• Fats

• Protein

• Carbohydrate

• Dairy

Multiple Select

Which of these are food groups in a balanced diet?

• Protein

• Carbohydrate

• Dairy

• Lipids / Fats

• Vitamins and Minerals

Multiple Choice

Proteins are needed for ...

• Growth and Repair

• Energy

• Hydration

• Insulation

Multiple Choice

Bread is high in

• lipids / fats

• protein

• carbohydrate

• water

Multiple Choice

Butter is high in

• lipids / fats

• protein

• carbohydrate

• water