Food and the Diet

5 different types of food Carbohydrates Fats Proteins Minerals Vitamins

Carbohydrates Type 1 Function: to provide energy. Examples include sugars and starch Sources: fruits, cakes, sweets

Carbohydrates Type 2 Second type of carbohydrate is known as fibre. Function: to keep the digestive system in good working order A lack of fibre in the diet causes constipation Sources: Green vegetables, wholegrain bread and cereals

Examples of fibre

Fats Function: to store energy A layer of fat below the skin helps to insulate against loss of heat. Sources: milk, dairy products and fatty meat

Examples of Fats

Proteins Function: To provide materials that cells need to grow Proteins also form substances called enzymes Sources: Milk, lean meat, fish, eggs and nuts

Sources of Protein

Minerals Function: the function of minerals are varied Iron is needed by the blood. A source of Iron is cabbage A lack of iron in the diets causes anaemia

Minerals Calcium is needed for the formation of bones and teeth. Good sources of calcium are milk and cheese A lack of calcium in the diet causes rickets

Vitamins The function of vitamins also vary There are several different vitamins each represented with a letter Low levels of a particular vitamin lead to a deficiency disease

Vitamin C Prevents a disease called scurvy Sources: Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes. Needed to keep skin and gums healthy

Water Water is essential in the diet Makes up 60-70% of the human body! A person can survive many weeks without food but will die in a few days without water

Why Is Water so Important? Water is an excellent solvent Transport around the body is done using water Water is required to remove wastes from the body e.g. in urine and sweat Water is needed to control body temperature