Nutrition
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2.2 Nutrition

Difficulty Level: Basic | Created by: CK-12
Last Modified: Oct 30, 2015

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This concept is a series of four videos discussing nutrition and the digestive system. Each video link is followed by a set of questions related to the video. Read the questions prior to watching the video. Think about the questions as you watch the video, and/or answer the questions after watching the video.

The first video provides an introduction to nutrition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIboFzOIijI (1:20).

  1. What is the most important requirement for life?
  2. Why do our cells need energy?
  3. Where does our energy come from?

Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats

The second video is an overview of carbohydrates, proteins and fats: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqrVl4V5ttQ (9:08).

  1. What are the 3 basic food nutrients?
  2. How many Calories are needed by an average 8th grade student each day?
  3. Give an example of a monosaccharide.
  4. What is a complex carbohydrate?
  5. Why do you need to eat carbohydrates?
  6. What is a lipid? List three roles of lipids.
  7. Compare saturated fats to unsaturated fats.
  8. List three roles of proteins.
  9. What is an essential amino acid?
  10. List five protein-rich foods.
  11. Why is fish good for you to eat?

Associated CK-12 Life Science Concepts

Water, Vitamins, Minerals and Fiber

The third video is an overview of water, vitamins, minerals and fiber, and their importance to human health: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB5xg28Xyks (5:18).

  1. Why do we need to drink water?
  2. How much water do we need each day?
  3. Why do we need vitamins and minerals?
  4. What are three good sources of vitamins?
  5. What are three important minerals that the body needs?
  6. What are two good sources of minerals?
  7. Why is fiber important to our health?
  8. What are three good sources of fiber?

Associated CK-12 Life Science Concepts

The Digestive System

The fourth video is an overview of the digestive system: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rNZS2eYEjo (2:49).

  1. List the functions of the digestive system.
  2. What parts of the digestive process occur in the mouth?
  3. What is peristalsis?
  4. What is the role of gastric acid?
  5. What is meant by absorption?
  6. What occurs in the large intestine?
  7. What is the last part of the digestive system?

Associated CK-12 Life Science Concepts

Vocabulary

  • absorption: Process that allows nutrients to be taken up by the blood.
  • amino acid: Small molecule used to build proteins.
  • calorie: The approximate amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.
  • carbohydrate: Organic compound, such as sugar and starch, that provides an energy source for animals.
  • chemical digestion: Process by which large food molecules are broken down into small nutrient molecules through a chemical process.
  • digestive system: Body system that breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and rids the body of solid food waste.
  • fiber: Carbohydrate that is partially indigestible.
  • lipid: Organic compound that is insoluble in water and includes fats, oils, and waxes.
  • mechanical digestion: Process by which large chunks of food are broken down into small pieces through a physical process, such as chewing.
  • mineral: Chemical element, such as calcium or potassium, that is needed for body processes.
  • nutrient: Chemical in food that your body needs.
  • peristalsis: Muscle contractions that help food move through the digestive system.
  • protein: Organic compound composed of amino acids and includes enzymes, antibodies, and muscle fibers.
  • vitamin: Organic compound needed in small amounts for the body to function properly.

Summary

  • The body needs water and energy to survive.
  • Energy comes from carbohydrates, proteins and fats that are eaten.
  • Energy is expressed in calories. The average eighth grade student needs 2,000C each day.
  • Sugars are simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates provide quick energy.
  • Starch is a complex carbohydrate. They provide longer lasting energy.
  • Fats provide up to twice the energy of other nutrients.
  • Bad fats can be very unhealthy.
  • Proteins are the building blocks of life.
  • Some amino acids must come from food.
  • Water provides many essential functions in the body.
  • Vitamins and minerals are necessary for the body to function optimally.
  • The digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and excretes waste.

Review

  1. "You are what you eat." What is meant by this phase?
  2. What is a nutrient?
  3. What are carbohydrates, proteins and fats?
  4. Why are unsaturated fats better than saturated fats?
  5. Why are vitamins and minerals important?
  6. Describe the main organs of the digestive function.

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