Classes of Food

3.1 Classes of Food

3.1

Classes of Food

Carbohydrate
Protein
Fat
Vitamin
Mineral
Fibre
Water

1) Carbohydrate

Carbohydrate contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
It supplies a lot of energy
Examples: Starch - food stored in plants, Glycogen - food stored in animals, Cellulose - forms the cell wall of plants

2) Protein

Protein contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen
Required for growth, repair damaged tissues and to replace dead cells
Used to synthesise enzymes, hormones and antibodies
Example : Chicken, Meat and Seafood

3) Fat

Fat contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
Formed from glycerol and fatty acid
Fat is a high energy source and storage
Protects the organs, act as transporter for vitamin A,D,E and K and a heat insulator to regulate body temperature

4) Vitamin

Vitamin is needed in small quantities to maintain good health

Vitamins

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Water-soluble vitamins

(Vitamin B and C)

Fat-soluble vitamins

(Vitamin A,D,E and K)

Type, source, importance and effects of vitamin deficiency

Vitamin	Function	Effects of deficiency
A Milk Egg yolk	Maintains skin health	Skin diseases
B Yeast Liver	Formation of blood cells	Beri-beri Anaemia
C Fruits Vegetables	Maintains the health of gums and mouth	Scurvy (bleeding gums)
D Butter Eggs	Strengthens tooth enamel	Rickets Toothache
E Grains Green vegetables	Maintains the functions of the reproductive system	Sterility Foetus miscarriage
K Milk Egg yolk	Speeds up the blood-clotting process	Prolonged bleeding

5) Fibre

Fibre comprises of cellulose that is found in the cell wall of plants
Very important to stimulate peristalsis which prevents constipation
Example : Vegetables, Grains and High fibre bread

6) Mineral

Minerals do not supply energy,but are required in small quantities to regulate body process to maintain health

7) Water

Water contains hydrogen and oxygen
Acts as a chemical solvent, transportation medium and regulates body temperature

Types,sources,importance and effects of mineral deficiency

Mineral

Importance and effects of defienciecy

Calcium

Milk,Anchovies

Strengthens bones and teeth

Effect:

Rickets

Osteoporosis

Sodium

Salt,Meat

Maintains the functions of the nervous system

Effect: Muscle cramps

Iron

Liver,Meat

Build haemoglobin in the blood

Effect: Anaemia

Iodine

Seafood,Fruits

Helps with the functions of thyroid gland

Effect: Goiter

Phosphorus

Cheese,Meat

Forms nucleic acid in DNA and RNA

Effect:

Brittle teeth

Cannot build DNA and RNA

Potassium

Plants and animals

Helps with muscle contraction

Effect: Paralysis

Quick Notes