Chapter 2 The Digestive System

What do we need to grow? In order to grow we need nutrients. - help our body repair itself, - give us energy - help maintain functions in the body

Where do we get nutrients? From our diet. What is a diet? the amount (and type) of food you eat to let you maintain your health. 4 Types of Nutrients 1. Carbohydrates 2. Proteins 3. Fats 4. Vitamins/ Minerals

1. Carbohydrates The body’s quickest source of energy! 2 Types of Carbs: 1. Simple - a molecule of sugar (ex: glucose) 2. Complex - sugar molecules joined together (ex: brown rice, pasta)

Why not just eat sugar? Your body uses simple carbohydrates quickly (breaks them down quickly!) What happens when you eat complex carbohydrates? (ie: a big bowl of pasta?) Your body must break down the chain of sugars This takes longer….so you are full longer! That’s a good thing!

2. Proteins Protein is really important! Your body uses it to build parts of: Body’s muscles Skin Hair Nails Good sources: - fish, nuts, poultry, dairy, soy…

How much protein do you need? To find out: Divide your weight (in lbs) by 2 This is about how many grams of protein you need each day!

3. Fats Why are fats good to eat? Used to build cell membranes Used for energy (stored) Why can fat sometimes NOT be good to eat? If we eat TOO much fatty foods Good Fats = unsaturated fat (usually liquid at room temp) found in: fruits, veggies, fish, olive oil… Bad Fats = saturated fat (usually solid at room temp) found in: lard, animal fats, packaged foods…

Bad Fats…Effects on Health: A build-up of plaque can form in the blood vessels (arteries) Harder for the blood to flow through Leads to heart disease Increased risk of heart attack and stroke

4. Vitamins & Minerals We need vitamins and minerals in smaller amounts Help our bodies perform various functions Examples: Calcium (strong bones)

Did you know? Not only do we need calcium for strong bones but we also need vitamin D. Does anyone know where we can get vitamin D for free? From sunlight!

Last but not least…. Nutrient #5 (but not really) Is WATER Why is it important? helps transport waste and nutrients Helps cool us down (sweat) Needed for chemical reactions in our body

Guess how much water our bodies require each day? Got Water? Guess how much water our bodies require each day? 3 to 5 litres of water! We may not consume this much but that’s how much is needed by our bodies!

Where can we find more info about what we should be eating?? Canada’s Food Guide gives us daily serving recommendations and lists of foods that fall under each major category Canada Food Guide