In this Study Session, you have learned that:
  • The six components of food or nutrients are divided into macro and micro nutrients.
  • The macronutrients contain protein, carbohydrates, lipids and water.
  • The micronutrients comprise the vitamins and minerals.
  • Based on the major proportion of nutrients they contain and their functions for the body, food can be sometimes named as body building, energy giving and protective foods.
  • Foods that contain a lot of protein are called body building foods or growing foods and foods that contain a lot of fat or carbohydrate are cold energy giving foods while foods that contain vitamins and minerals are protective foods.
  • A balanced diet is eating or choosing a wide variety of foods and drinks from all the food groups. The goal of a balanced diet is to take all the nutrients we need at the recommended labels for health and restrict those food types that are not good for the body.
  • Saturated fats are unhealthy fats, therefore, they have to be taken with restriction, while unsaturated fats are healthy fats that can be consumed more often.
  • Food and nutrition are not synonymous; food is anything (solid or liquid substance) edible as to the culture and religious acceptance of a given society while nutrition is the science of food.
  • The food we eat should contain a balanced diet to provide or nourish the body with the different nutrients in the required amount to enable the body to produce and maintain cells, hormones, enzymes, other chemical substances, and keep the body systems functional and healthy.
Last modified: Wednesday, 31 August 2016, 1:51 AM