Nutrients

Question 1

What are macronutrients?

Answer 1

The main nutrients we need in our diet.

These are protein, fat and carbohydrates.

Question 2

What is protein needed for?

Answer 2

• growth
• repair
• maintenance
• energy

Question 3

What are proteins made up off?

Answer 3

amino acids

Question 4

What’s the difference between essential and non-essential amino acids?

Answer 4

Essential - body can’t make so we need to eat (9 essential)

Non-essential - body can make (11 non-essential)

Question 5

What are HBV proteins?

Answer 5

High Biological Value proteins

• contain all of the essential amino acids
• mainly animal sources
  eg. meat, soya beans, poultry

Question 6

What are LBV proteins?

Answer 6

Low Biological Value proteins

• don’t contain all of the essential amino acids
• only plant sources
  eg. lentils, beans

Question 7

What problems does an excess of protein cause?

Answer 7

Pressure and strain on the liver and kidneys

Question 8

What problems does a deficiency in protein cause?

Answer 8

• slowed growth
• immune system can’t work properly (wounds take longer to heal, infections more likely)
• digestion doesn’t work properly (not all nutrients taken in)
• oedema (build up of fluid in body that causes swelling)
• kwashiorkor (severe disease)

Question 9

What are some alternative proteins for vegetarians?

Answer 9

• soya (plant based HBV source)
• mycoprotein (fungus)
• TVP [textured vegetable protein] (ground soya beans to make a dough)
• tofu (curdled soya milk)

Question 10

What does fat provide?

Answer 10

• concentrated source of energy
• insulation
• protection for organs
• vitamins A and D
• essential fatty acids

Question 11

What are saturated fats?

Answer 11

• solid at room temp
• animal source
• unhealthier than unsaturated

Question 12

What are unsaturated fats?

Answer 12

• soft/liquid room temp
• vegetable sources
• healthier than saturated

Question 13

What are the differences between monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats?

Answer 13

monounsaturated - contain one double carbon bond

polyunsaturated - contain more than one double carbon bond

Question 14

Name the two essential fatty acids and examples

Answer 14

omega-3
help brain function and reduce risk of heart disease
eg. oily fish, seeds

omega-6
help lower blood cholestrol and reduce inflammation
eg. chicken. nuts, vegetable oils