Transcript The Importance of Nutrition

Grade 7 Health
Ms. Kay
What is Nutrition?
Definition: the study of nutrients and how the body
uses them.
Good nutrition …
• eating well-balanced meals
with plenty of fresh fruits and
vegetables
• promotes good health and
prevents diseases
What are Nutrients?
Definition: substances in food that your body needs to
function properly throughout the day.
What are the Benefits of Good
Nutrition?
Healthy eating can:
 Stabilize energy
 Sharpen the mind
 Even out moods
 Increase concentration
 Lead to better academic performance
 Improve performance in sports/activities
 Decrease risk of illnesses
What are the Consequences of
Poor Nutrition?
 obesity
 high blood pressure
 high cholesterol
 type 2 diabetes
 bone and joint problems
 breathing problems
 sleeping problems
 depression
 greater risk for heart
disease, heart failure and
stroke
Knowledge Check
Name benefits of good
nutrition.
Name 3 consequences of
poor nutrition.
 Stabilize energy
 obesity
 Sharpen the mind
 high blood pressure
 Even out moods
 high cholesterol
 Increase concentration
 type 2 diabetes
 Lead to better academic
 bone and joint problems
performance
 Improve performance in
sports/activities
 Decrease risk of illnesses
 breathing problems
 sleeping problems
 depression
 greater risk for heart disease, heart
failure and stroke
What is a Dietitian?
Dietitians:
 are experts in food and nutrition
 advise people on what to eat to lead a healthy
lifestyle or to achieve a health-related goal
 work in a variety of settings from clinical to
community and public policy to media
communications
 Must have a college degree!
What is a Nutritionist?
A nutritionist is a person who studies
foods and nutrients and can give advice to
people regarding healthy ways to lose, gain
and maintain body weight.
“All dietitians are nutritionists,
but not all nutritionists are
dietitians."
What do you know?
What are the 6 major nutrient groups?
 Carbohydrates
 Fats
 Proteins
 Vitamins
 Minerals
 Water
Two Categories of Nutrients
Nutrients that build
tissue and provide
energy:
Nutrients that help your
body run smoothly:
 Carbohydrates
 Vitamins
 Fats
 Minerals
 Proteins
 Water
Carbohydrate
Importance
 Most important source of energy for
the body
 Your digestive system changes carbohydrates into
glucose (blood sugar). Your body uses this sugar for
energy for your cells, tissues and organs.
 Extra sugar is stored in your liver and muscles for when
it is needed.
Two Types of Carbohydrates
 Complex Carbs (most of calories in diet should come from
these)
 Simple Carbs
Complex Carbohydrates
Starches
 Provide lasting energy
 Sources: include whole grain breads and
cereals, starchy vegetables and legumes
Fiber
 Makes you feel full faster and helps digestion
 Helps prevent constipation and reduces risk of colon
cancer
 Reduces cholesterol levels and risk of heart attack
 Sources: whole grains, beans, nuts, fruits and vegetables
Simple Carbohydrates
 Refined sugars that have very little nutritional value
 Digested quickly and provide quick energy that does not last
 Should be limited to small quantities
 Provide calories, but few vitamins and minerals
 Sources: table sugar, products with
white flour, honey, milk, yogurt,
candy, chocolate, fruit, fruit juice,
cake, jam, biscuits, molasses, soda
and packaged cereals
Fat
Importance
 Major source of energy and aids your
body in absorbing vitamins
 Important for proper growth,
development and keeping you healthy
 Provides taste to foods and helps you feel full
 Also plays a major role in your cholesterol levels
Types of Fats
 Unsaturated
 Saturated
 Trans fat
Saturated Fat
Types of Fat
Unsaturated Fat
 GOOD Fat!
 Help lower blood
cholesterol
 Sources: fish, nuts, seeds and
oils from plants, avocados,
olives, walnuts and liquid
vegetable oils such as soybean,
corn, safflower, canola, olive and
sunflower
 BAD Fat!
 Raise cholesterol
 Sources: beef, beef fat, veal,
lamb, pork, lard, poultry fat,
butter, cream, milk, cheeses and
other dairy products made from
whole and 2 percent milk
Trans Fat
 VERY BAD Fat!
 Raise cholesterol and increase
risk of heart disease
 Sources: vegetable shortenings,
some margarines, crackers,
cookies, snack foods
Protein
Importance
 Builds, repairs and maintains
bones, muscles and skin
Food Sources
 Meat, dairy products, nuts and certain grains and
beans
 You need to eat protein every day, because your
body doesn't store it the way it stores fats or
carbohydrates.
Knowledge Check
What are “good” carbohydrates and what foods
can you find them in?
 Starches and fiber
What is the role of “fats” in your diet?
 Major source of energy and aids your
body in absorbing vitamins
What does protein do for your body?
 Builds, repairs and maintains bones,
muscles and skin
Vitamins
Importance
 Substances that your body needs
to grow and develop normally and that fight
infection
 The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a
balanced diet with a variety of foods
In some cases, you may need to take a daily multivitamin
for optimal health. However, high doses of some vitamins
can make you sick.
Minerals
Importance
 Regulate body processes:
- building bones
- making hormones
- regulating heartbeat
 The best way to get the minerals your body needs is by
eating a wide variety of foods.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a mineral
supplement.
Important Vitamins & Minerals
 Vitamin A – healthy skin and normal vision
 Vitamin C – healthy teeth, gums, bones; helps heal
wounds and fight infection
 Calcium – builds strong bones and teeth
 Iron – helps transport oxygen through the
bloodstream
 Sodium - helps keep proper body fluid balance; helps
the body transmit electrical signals through nerves
Water
Importance
 Helps digest and absorb food
 Regulates body temperature and blood circulation
 Carries nutrients and oxygen to other cells
 Flushes toxins out of vital organs
 Provides a moist environment for ear, nose and
throat tissues
 Lubricates joints
Let’s Review
6 Main Nutrients
Starches
5 Main Food Groups
Complex
Protein
Carbs
Carbs
Fiber
Grains
Meat/Protein
Vegetables
Fruits
Simple
Vitamins
Water
Unsaturated
Minerals
Fats
Fats
Saturated
Milk/Dairy
Trans
Certain foods in a food group have a particularly high source of specific
nutrients. For example, many of your grains are a high source of
carbohydrates, and fruits are a high source of vitamins. Notice how the food
group boxes are color coordinated with the nutrients to indicate this correlation.