Year 7 Biology: Nutrition

What is Nutrition?

Nutrition is the way our bodies get the food and energy they need to grow, stay healthy, and function properly. It involves eating a variety of foods that provide essential nutrients. These nutrients help us in many ways, such as building strong bones, repairing tissues, and keeping our organs working well.

Why is Nutrition Important?

Good nutrition is important because it helps us:

• Grow and Develop: Children and teenagers need more nutrients to support their growth.
• Stay Healthy: A balanced diet can help prevent illnesses and keep our immune system strong.
• Have Energy: Nutrients give us the energy we need to play, study, and enjoy life.
• Think Clearly: Eating well helps our brain function and improves concentration.

What Are Nutrients?

Nutrients are substances in food that our bodies need. There are several types of nutrients:

1. Carbohydrates

• Function: Provide energy.
• Examples: Bread, pasta, rice, and fruits.

2. Proteins

• Function: Help build and repair tissues (like muscles).
• Examples: Meat, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.

3. Fats

• Function: Provide energy and help absorb certain vitamins.
• Examples: Butter, oils, avocados, and cheese.

4. Vitamins

• Function: Help various body functions and keep us healthy.
• Examples: Vitamin C (found in oranges) helps our immune system; Vitamin D (from sunlight) is important for bone health.

5. Minerals

• Function: Essential for many body processes.
• Examples: Calcium (for strong bones) and iron (for healthy blood).

6. Water

• Function: Keeps us hydrated and helps with digestion.
• Examples: Drinking water, soups, and fruits with high water content.

Balanced Diet

A balanced diet means eating the right amount of different foods to get all the nutrients we need. Here are some tips for a balanced diet:

• Eat Rainbow: Include fruits and vegetables of different colours.
• Portion Control: Don’t eat too much of one type of food.
• Regular Meals: Don’t skip meals. Try to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with healthy snacks.
• Drink Water: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Fun Facts About Nutrition

• Did you know that bananas can help give you energy before a sports game?
• Or that carrots are great for your eyesight because they contain vitamin A?

Questions on Nutrition

Easy Level Questions

1. What is nutrition?
2. Name one type of nutrient.
3. Which nutrient helps build muscles?
4. What do carbohydrates provide?
5. Name a fruit.
6. Why is water important?
7. What is a balanced diet?
8. Which food contains vitamin C?
9. What do proteins do?
10. Give an example of a healthy snack.
11. Why do we need vitamins?
12. Name a food that is high in fat.
13. What does calcium help with?
14. Why should we eat a variety of foods?
15. What is one benefit of eating fruits?
16. What is the main function of minerals?
17. Name a food that is rich in protein.
18. What does a rainbow diet mean?
19. Why is breakfast important?
20. What do fats do for our body?

Medium Level Questions

1. What are the main types of nutrients?
2. How do carbohydrates help our body?
3. Why is it important to stay hydrated?
4. What are some sources of vitamin D?
5. How does a balanced diet help us?
6. What happens if we eat too much sugar?
7. Name two foods that are good sources of iron.
8. How can you include more vegetables in your diet?
9. Why is it not good to skip meals?
10. What role do fats play in our diet?
11. How can we get more vitamin C in our meals?
12. Why are whole grains important?
13. What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats?
14. How does protein help in recovery after exercise?
15. What are the signs of dehydration?
16. Why is breakfast considered the most important meal of the day?
17. What is the function of dietary fibre?
18. How do minerals differ from vitamins?
19. What are some examples of healthy fats?
20. Why should we limit processed foods?

Hard Level Questions

1. Explain the importance of a balanced diet in detail.
2. Discuss the role of carbohydrates in sports nutrition.
3. What are the consequences of a deficiency in vitamin A?
4. How do different types of fats affect heart health?
5. Explain why protein is vital for teenagers.
6. Compare and contrast water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.
7. Discuss the impact of sugar on overall health.
8. How does the body absorb minerals and vitamins?
9. Explain the role of antioxidants in nutrition.
10. What are some dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids?
11. Describe how nutrition influences mental health.
12. What are the potential health risks of obesity?
13. Discuss the importance of fibre in the diet.
14. How can a vegetarian get enough protein?
15. Explain how nutrition varies for different age groups.
16. Why are ultra-processed foods harmful to our health?
17. What is the role of probiotics in our diet?
18. How can nutrition impact athletic performance?
19. Discuss the importance of meal planning.
20. How does nutrition education contribute to healthier communities?

Answers to Questions

Easy Level Answers

1. Nutrition is how our bodies get the food and energy they need.
2. Carbohydrates.
3. Proteins help build muscles.
4. Carbohydrates provide energy.
5. An example is an apple.
6. Water keeps us hydrated.
7. A balanced diet means eating the right amount of different foods.
8. Oranges contain vitamin C.
9. Proteins help build and repair tissues.
10. A healthy snack could be a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts.
11. We need vitamins for various body functions.
12. Cheese is high in fat.
13. Calcium helps with strong bones.
14. Eating a variety of foods provides all the nutrients we need.
15. Fruits provide vitamins and minerals.
16. Minerals are essential for body processes.
17. Chicken is a rich source of protein.
18. Eating a rainbow diet means including different colored fruits and vegetables.
19. Breakfast gives you energy for the day.
20. Fats provide energy and help absorb vitamins.

Medium Level Answers

1. The main types of nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
2. Carbohydrates provide energy for our body.
3. Staying hydrated is important for digestion and overall health.
4. Sources of vitamin D include sunlight, fish, and fortified foods.
5. A balanced diet helps keep us healthy and prevents diseases.
6. Eating too much sugar can lead to health problems like obesity and tooth decay.
7. Foods good in iron include red meat and spinach.
8. You can include more vegetables by adding them to meals or snacks.
9. Skipping meals can lead to hunger and overeating later.
10. Fats provide energy and help absorb vitamins.
11. We can get more vitamin C by eating fruits like strawberries and kiwis.
12. Whole grains are important because they provide more nutrients and fibre.
13. Healthy fats (like those from nuts) are good for heart health, while unhealthy fats (like trans fats) can be harmful.
14. Protein helps in recovery by repairing tissues after exercise.
15. Signs of dehydration include thirst and dark urine.
16. Breakfast is important because it provides energy and nutrients to start the day.
17. Dietary fibre helps with digestion.
18. Minerals are inorganic elements, while vitamins are organic compounds.
19. Examples of healthy fats include avocados and olive oil.
20. We should limit processed foods because they often contain unhealthy ingredients.

Hard Level Answers

1. A balanced diet provides all essential nutrients our body needs for growth and health.
2. Carbohydrates are crucial for energy in sports as they fuel muscles.
3. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to vision problems and weakened immune function.
4. Healthy fats can help reduce bad cholesterol, while unhealthy fats can increase heart disease risk.
5. Protein is vital for teenagers as they are growing and need it for muscle growth and repair.
6. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored, while fat-soluble vitamins are stored in body fat.
7. Excess sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart issues.
8. The body absorbs vitamins and minerals through the digestive tract.
9. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
10. Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
11. Nutrition can influence mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
12. Obesity can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.
13. Fibre is important for digestive health and can help prevent constipation.
14. Vegetarians can get protein from beans, lentils, nuts, and dairy products.
15. Nutrition needs vary with age due to different energy and nutrient requirements.
16. Ultra-processed foods are often high in sugar, fats, and preservatives, which can lead to health issues.
17. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain gut health.
18. Proper nutrition can improve endurance, strength, and recovery in athletes.
19. Meal planning helps ensure a balanced diet and can save time and money.
20. Nutrition education can help people make healthier choices and improve community health.