Food and Nutrition Topic
Macro-nutrients
- Read notes
- Flashcards
- Quiz
- Confident
Study focus - 3 things
- Macro-nutrients are nutrients the body needs in larger amounts
- Carbohydrates give quick energy, proteins build and repair, and fats give stored energy
- Food sources matter: choose quality, not just quantity
Section 1The big three
Macro-nutrients are needed in larger amounts than vitamins and minerals. The main ones are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Here's the trick: learn each one by function and food source.
Section 2Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body's main energy source. Starchy foods like rice, yam, bread, green banana, and sweet potato give energy for school, sports, and daily activity. Wholegrain and high-fibre choices usually keep you full for longer.
Section 3Proteins
Proteins help the body grow and repair tissues. Good sources include fish, chicken, eggs, milk, peas, beans, and nuts. Easy to mix up - peas and beans count as protein foods too, not just meat.
Section 4Fats
Fats give concentrated energy, help protect organs, and help the body use some vitamins. Sources include oil, butter, avocado, nuts, and fatty meats. Watch out: the body needs some fat, but too much fried and greasy food can harm health.
Examples
Classify bread, egg, and butter by their main macro-nutrient.
Bread is mainly carbohydrate, egg is mainly protein, and butter is mainly fat.
A Jamaican breakfast has boiled green banana, callaloo, and saltfish. Which macro-nutrients are present?
Green banana gives carbohydrate, saltfish gives protein, and any oil used to cook the callaloo adds fat. Callaloo also adds vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.