Carbohydrates

• Made from - Simple sugars, e.g. – glucose

• Used for energy.

Fats

• Made from fatty acids and glycerol.

• Used for energy, energy store and insulation.

Proteins

• Made from amino acid chains.

• Used for growth and repair of cells.

• Used for energy in emergencies.

Vitamins

• Made of chemical compounds.

• Used to keep the body healthy.

• E.g. – vitamin C helps prevent scurvy, vitamin D builds strong bones.

Minerals

• Made of chemical compounds.

• Used to keep the body healthy.

• E.g. – iron helps make haemoglobin for healthy blood, calcium builds strong teeth and bones.

Fibre

• Made from indigestible foodstuffs.

• Used to maintain the digestive system – helps you poo!

Water

• Made from hydrogen and oxygen.

• Used to keep the body hydrated.

Too many fats and carbs?

• Excess carbs get stored in the liver as glycogen until they are needed for energy or they are stored as fat.

• Excess fats are stored under the skin and around organs as adipose tissue.

• Can negatively affect health!

Why do people have/need different diets?

Age

Older people will need more calcium due to osteoporosis.

They may also require less calories due to inactivity but that depends on how they cope with age.

Young people may require more protein due to that fact that they are still growing.

Gender

Men tend to need more calories than women as they are bigger.

Women will need more iron than men due to their menstrual cycle.

Activity

Those who are more active require more calories because they need more energy.

Those who are more sedentary require less calories as they use less energy.

Religion

Jewish people do not eat pork and any other meat they eat must be kosher.

Muslims do not eat pork also and the other meat they consume must be Halal.

Hindus do not eat beef as they believe that cows are sacred.

Personal Choice

Vegetarians do not each any meat or fish and believe that it is wrong to eat animals.

Vegans eat no animal products at all – no meat, no dairy and they do not use leather.

Medical Issues

Some people have allergies and intolerances.

Examples are…

• Nut allergy

• Lactose intolerance

• Celiac disease