Balanced Diet
Balanced diet is a diet or food plan which contain correct amounts and proportions of nutrients to maintain healthy body. Nutrients: Carbohydrates, Fat, Protein, Water, Vitamins, Minerals.
Principal dietary sources and the importance.
| Nutrients |
Importance |
Examples |
Diseases |
| Carbohydrates |
Source of Energy. |
Rice |
|
| Fat / Lipids |
Insulation and Energy Storage. |
Butter |
Too much can cause CHD. |
| Protein |
Growth and Repair. |
Fish |
Kwashiokor |
| Vitamin C |
Forms collagen protein, makes up skin, hair gums and bones. |
Citrus Fruits |
Scurvy |
| Vitamin D |
Helps the body to absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth. |
Sunlight |
Rickets |
| Calcium |
Needed for strong teeth and bones along clotting of blood. |
Milk |
Osteoporosis |
| Iron |
Required to make Haemoglobin. |
Red Meat |
Anaemia |
| Fibre |
Provides roughage for the intestine to push food through. |
Veggies |
Constipation |
| Water |
Needed for chemical reaction to take place in cells. |
Water |
Dehydration |
Dietary Needs of Individuals
- Age: The energy teenagers / childrens need will increase towards adulthood as this energy is needed for growth; therefore they require a higher proportion of protein in their diet. However, the energy needs of adults decreases as they age.
- Acitivty Levels: The more active, the more energy will be required for movement, as muscles are contracting more and respiring faster. Require more protein and carbs.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, energy requirements increaswe as energy is needed to support the growth of the developing foetus. Extra calcium and iron are needed to help build the bones, teeth and blood of the foetus.
- Breastfeeding: Energy requirements increase, and extra calcium will be needed to make high quality breast milk for the baby.
Digestive System
The digestive system is sometimes known as human alimentary canal.
- Mouth: Food ingested here, teeth break it down to smaller pieces in mechanical digestion.
- Salivary Glands: Amylase in saliva begins to digest starch into maltose. Saliva also helps lubricate the food for easier swallowing.
- Esophagus: Tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Does peristalsis.
- Stomach: Churning of the muscular stomach walls continues the process of mechanical digestions. Protease enzymes begin to digest protein. HCL (Hydrochloric) Acid provides a suitable pH for the enzymes and also destroys any pathogens.
- Liver: Bile is produced here. Bile helps aids the digestion of fats, neutralising stomach acid.
- Gall Bladder: Bile is stored before being released into duodenum via bile duct.
- Pancreas: Enzymes are produced before being released to duodenum.
