Human Biology and Health Studies

Topic 3

Nutrition
Copyright2003PearsonEducation,Inc.publishingasBenjaminCummings

Nutrition

Nutrition is the study of how the body

uses the nutrients from the food we eat to
provide energy needed for growth, repair
and reproduction.
We get these nutrients from carbohydrates,
proteins, fat, vitamins and minerals as well
as water and fibre.
To stay healthy we need to eat a good
balance of the different kinds of nutrients.

Copyright2003PearsonEducation,Inc.publishingasBenjaminCummings

Protein
Protein is present in meat, dairy products(such as
milk), eggs, legumes (peas, beans and pulses)
and nuts.
We need proteins for:
Building and repairing body tissues,
particularly muscle tissue.
Making enzymes that are needed for
metabolism.
Building antibodies which protect us against
disease.
Children who lack proteins will suffer from
kwashiorkor and marasmus.

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates is present in sugars, starch and
cellulose.
Cellulose is the material which forms plant cell
walls which is difficult to digest, so most of our
carbohydrates come from food containing sugar
and starch.
Are mainly found in plants such as ground
provisions (yams, cassava, potatoes, etc.), fruits,
vegetables, peas and beans. Also in some
animal products such as milk, yoghurt and
cheese.
It also provide us with energy.
A deficiency in carbohydrates result in lack of
energy.

fats and oils

Fats are found in foods that come from animals,
such as cheese, butter, margarine, cream, lard,
milk and red meat.
Oils are mostly found in foods from plants,
especially the seeds and fruits. Some fish also
contain high levels of oil.
Fats are important because they:
Can be digested to provide energy and water;
Contain fat soluble vitamins D and E;
Act as insulation to protect internal organs.
A diet high in animal fats is often associated with
hearth and circulatory disease.

Water
Water is very important for the survival of living
organisms since all chemical reactions in our
bodies requires it. We contain 70% water by
mass.
In humans, water is also required for:
Transporting nutrients and waste products.
Digestion, absorption, circulatory, and
excretory functions;
Absorption of water soluble vitamins;
Maintaining proper body temperature.

water
Water is constantly lost from the body by
breathing and sweating so on average we need
to drink at least 2 litres of water daily.
A total lack of water for five or more days will
result in death.
People who do not drink sufficient water will
suffer from headaches, poor concentration,
tiredness, kidney infections and constipation.
Drinking too much water is also dangerous as it
dilutes the fluids in the body too much causing
water intoxication.

fibre
Dietary fibre is also called roughage. We get
this mainly from plants such as fruit, vegetables
and grains.
It is not truly a food since it cannot be digested in
the human body however it is important since it
allows for the easy elimination of faeces.
It retains water, which results in softer and
bulkier faeces and prevents constipation.
It also reduces the risk of colon cancer since the
fibres in the faeces clean the colon as it passes
out.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals only need to be eaten in
small amounts to keep us healthy. However,
they contain elements that are essential to many
of the functions of our body, so a deficiency in
the diet can quickly cause problems.
Vitamins are used in many of the reactions in our
bodies that convert nutrients into energy and
body tissue.
We therefore need a balanced diet to stay
healthy.
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