food and nutrition Flashcards
(20 cards)
What do carbohydrates provide to the body?
Energy
Carbohydrates are found in foods like bread, rice, and pasta. Starch is a complex carbohydrate.
What is the primary function of proteins?
Help the body grow and repair itself
Proteins are made of amino acids and are found in meat, eggs, dairy, beans, and nuts.
What are fats used for in the body?
Energy source, cell growth, organ protection, hormone production
Fats are found in oils, butter, nuts, and fatty meat.
What role do vitamins play in the body?
Keep the body working properly
For example, Vitamin C helps healing, and Vitamin D helps bones. Some vitamins dissolve in water (B and C), while others dissolve in fat (A, D, E, K).
What are minerals, and can you name two important ones?
Tiny helpers the body needs; Calcium and Iron
Calcium is good for bones, and Iron helps carry oxygen in the blood.
Why is water important for the body?
Moves nutrients and waste, keeps the body cool
The body is mostly made of water.
What is the test for sugar and what indicates its presence?
Benedict’s solution; turns red or orange
Heat it with food to test for sugar.
How can you test for starch?
Use iodine; turns blue-black
This indicates the presence of starch.
What solution is used to test for protein, and what color indicates its presence?
Biuret solution; turns purple
This indicates protein is present.
What is the method to test for fat?
Mix with ethanol and water; turns cloudy or milky
This indicates the presence of fat.
Describe the process of digestion starting from the mouth.
Chewing breaks food up; saliva starts breaking down starch
Food moves to the stomach, where acid and enzymes break down proteins.
What happens in the small intestine during digestion?
Most digestion occurs; nutrients are absorbed into the blood
The liver makes bile, and the pancreas provides enzymes.
What are villi and their function?
Tiny finger-like shapes that help absorb nutrients fast
They have lots of surface area and blood vessels.
What is undernutrition?
Not eating enough nutrients
It can cause tiredness and increased sickness.
What is overnutrition?
Eating too much food
It can lead to obesity, heart problems, or diabetes.
What disease is caused by protein deficiency?
Kwashiorkor
Symptoms include a swollen belly and weak muscles.
What does iron deficiency lead to?
Anaemia
Symptoms include tiredness and paleness.
What is the result of Vitamin D deficiency?
Rickets
This condition causes soft and bent bones.
What are some causes of global food scarcity?
Drought, floods, bad weather, lack of money or machines, wars, overpopulation
These factors contribute to food shortages.
What can be done to help alleviate food scarcity?
Food aid, better farming methods, waste less food
These actions can improve food availability.
