nutrition and digestion - glossary

Question 1

enzymes

Answer 1

substances that speed up the chemical reactions of digestion.

Question 2

dietary fibre

Answer 2

parts of plants that cannot be digested, which helps the body eliminate waste.

Question 3

carbohydrates

Answer 3

the body’s main source of energy. there are two types: simple (sugars) and complex (starch).

Question 4

lipids

Answer 4

fats and oils which are a source of energy. found in butter, milk, eggs and nuts.

Question 5

protein

Answer 5

nutrient your body uses to build new tissue for growth and repair. sources are meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts and seeds.

Question 6

stomach

Answer 6

a sac where food is mixed with acidic juices to start the digestion of protein and kill microorganisms.

Question 7

small intestine

Answer 7

upper part of the intestine where digestion is completed and nutrients are absorbed by the blood.

Question 8

large intestine

Answer 8

lower part of the intestine from which water is absorbed and where faeces are formed.

Question 9

gut bacteria

Answer 9

microorganisms that naturally live in the intestine and help food break down.