Science 1 Components of food

Habitats

• Aquatic habitats include oceans, rivers, lakes, and ponds.
• Terrestrial habitats encompass forests, deserts, grasslands, and tundras.

Plant Adaptations

• Floating plants have specialized structures like air sacs or flat leaves, which help them stay buoyant in water.
• Some adaptations for survival include waxy coatings to reduce water loss and deep roots for nutrient absorption in varying environments.

Fish Adaptations

• Fish possess streamlined bodies for efficient swimming and gills for extracting oxygen from water.
• Fins assist in navigation and stability, while scales provide protection from predators and environmental factors.

Dolphin Breathing

• Dolphins are mammals that breathe air through lungs.
• They surface periodically for air through a blowhole located on top of their heads.

Classification of Frogs and Sea Turtles

• Frogs are amphibians, particularly adapted for both aquatic and terrestrial life.
• Sea turtles are reptiles, adapted for life in ocean environments but returning to land to lay eggs.

Observations on Adaptations

• Lizard feet have specialized pads that enable adhesion to vertical surfaces and aid in climbing.
• Additional local observations may include birds with strong beaks for seed cracking or bushy tails in squirrels for balance.

Introduction to Food Components

• Food supplies energy essential for life and growth.
• Food comprises various substances known as components that fulfill our nutritional needs.

Nutrients in Food

• Major nutrient categories: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, water, and roughage.
• Each nutrient plays a crucial role in bodily functions and overall health.

Carbohydrates

• Primary source of energy; broken down into glucose for immediate use.
• Found in foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Fats

• Concentrated energy source; essential for cell structure and hormone production.
• Important for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
• Sources include oils, butter, nuts, and animal fats.

Proteins

• Vital for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.
• Composed of amino acids; essential for enzyme and hormone production.
• Found in meat, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts.

Vitamins

• Organic compounds needed in small amounts for various biochemical functions.
• Support immune function, energy production, and cellular repair.
• Different vitamins have unique functions and sources, such as fruits and vegetables for vitamin C.

Minerals

• Inorganic substances crucial for numerous body processes, including bone health, fluid balance, and nerve function.
• Key minerals include calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, sourced from a variety of foods.

Water and Roughage

• Water is essential for hydration, digestion, and temperature regulation.
• Roughage (dietary fiber) aids digestion by promoting bowel health and preventing constipation.
• Found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Balanced Diet

• A balanced diet incorporates appropriate proportions of all nutrient categories.
• Essential for maintaining health, supporting growth, and preventing disease.

Deficiency Diseases

• Lack of essential nutrients can lead to specific health issues, known as deficiency diseases.
• Examples include scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), rickets (vitamin D deficiency), and anemia (iron deficiency).

Major Components Summary

• Main food sources derive from plants and animals, providing necessary nutrients for energy, growth, repair, and maintenance of health.