Healthy Living Unit #1 Healthy Eating

Lesson #1 What Nutrients?

By the end of the lesson students will be able to:

Identify the differences between Micro- and Macro- nutrients

Micro vs Macro

provide our bodies with energy for growth and activity

help regulate body functions such as vision, healing, and muscle movement

Basic Concepts...

Macronutrients – nutrients which the body requires in large quantities, including carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The primary purpose of macronutrients is to provide energy for the body.

Micronutrients – primarily consist of vitamins and minerals, and are required in smaller quantities.

Macronutrients“Macro” = big

Macronutrients include carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

They provide our bodies with energy for growth and activity

EXAMPLES

eating chicken breast would give your body protein helping to repair muscles,

having whole wheat spaghetti noodles would give your body carbohydrates to provide energy.)

MacronutrientsCarbohydrates Fats Proteins

- Body’s main source of energy - A source of energy - A source of energy

• An important form of this nutrient is dietary fibre

• Moderate amounts are needed to perform important body functions, e.g.,

transporting nutrients

• Help build, repair, and maintain body tissue

• Insoluble fibre promotes regular bowel movements and may lower the risk of

colon cancer

• Essential fatty acids promote healthy skin and normal cell growth, and carry vitamins A, D, E, and K to where needed • Play a major role in

fighting disease

• Soluble fibre may reduce blood

cholesterol levels

• Fat acts as a cushion to protect the heart, liver, and other vital organs.

• Add flavour to food

• Help the body grow• Help you feel full longer

Micronutrients

“Micro” = small.

Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals in our food.

They help regulate body functions such as vision, healing, and muscle movement.

MicronutrientsVitamins Minerals

- Regulate vital body processes - Help the body function

• Help carbohydrates, fats, and proteins do their job • Help build body cells and tissue

• Keep body tissues healthy • Build strong bones and teeth

• Protect body cells and the immune system from harmful chemicals

• Prevent osteoporosis• May protect against illnesses such as heart disease and cancer

• Help prevent birth defects

What about water??

Essential to life

Maintains normal body temperature

Medium for transport with the body by supplying nutrients and removing waste

Makes up 50 to 60 percent of the body. (A person can live only a few days without water but may be able to live for weeks without food.)

Homework

Complete the Nutrient Graphic Organizer

Use information found from the .pdf file found on the website