Human Nutrition (B7.1)

What is a balanced diet?

• A diet with only proteins and carbohydrates

• A diet with all essential nutrients in correct proportions

• A diet with all nutrients in equal quantities

• A diet with no fats

Answer explanation

A balanced diet includes all essential nutrients—proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals—in the right proportions, ensuring optimal health. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of balance, not equal quantities or exclusion of fats.

Which of the following is NOT a key component of a balanced diet?

• Proteins

• Caffeine

• Lipids

• Carbohydrates

Answer explanation

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee and tea, but it is not a nutrient. In contrast, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are essential components of a balanced diet, providing necessary nutrients for the body.

What disease is caused by vitamin D deficiency?

• Diabetes

• Scurvy

• Rickets

• Anemia

Answer explanation

Rickets is a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency, leading to weakened bones in children. Unlike diabetes, scurvy, or anemia, rickets specifically results from a lack of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption.

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the body?

• To aid digestion

• To build muscle

• To store vitamins

• To provide energy

Answer explanation

The primary function of carbohydrates in the body is to provide energy. They are the body's main source of fuel, supplying the necessary energy for daily activities and bodily functions.

Which organ releases bile?

• Stomach

• Gall bladder

• Pancreas

• Liver

Answer explanation

The liver is the organ responsible for producing and releasing bile, which aids in the digestion of fats. The gall bladder stores bile, but it is the liver that produces it.

What is the role of saliva in digestion?

• To break down proteins

• To neutralize stomach acid

• To moisten food and begin starch digestion

• To absorb nutrients

Answer explanation

Saliva plays a crucial role in digestion by moistening food, making it easier to chew and swallow. It also contains enzymes like amylase that begin the breakdown of starches into simpler sugars.

Which of the following is a type of physical digestion?

• Production of bile

• Absorption of nutrients

• Chewing food

• Enzyme action

Answer explanation

Chewing food is a type of physical digestion as it mechanically breaks down food into smaller pieces, making it easier for the body to process. The other options involve chemical processes or nutrient absorption.

What is the function of the large intestine?

• To digest proteins

• To absorb water from waste

• To produce bile

• To break down fats

Answer explanation

The large intestine primarily functions to absorb water from waste, helping to form solid stool. This process is crucial for maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance in the body.

Which enzyme breaks down proteins in the stomach?

• Maltase

• Lipase

• Amylase

• Pepsin

Answer explanation

Pepsin is the enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach. It is activated in the acidic environment of the stomach, unlike maltase, lipase, and amylase, which have different functions.

What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?

• To store bile

• To neutralize stomach acid

• To produce digestive enzymes

• To absorb nutrients

Answer explanation

The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by producing digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the small intestine, making nutrients available for absorption.