Nutrients Of Food We Eat Basic 2 Social Studies Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Define nutrient and food and distinguish between them
• Mention the six classes of food
• Describe the importance of food to our growth
• Mention the nutrients derived from eating particular foods

Difference Between Food and Nutrients

Food:

• Food is what we can see, touch, and eat
• Examples: Rice, meat, orange, bread
• Food contains many nutrients inside it
• We buy food from the market

Nutrients:

• Nutrients are the tiny good things inside food
• We cannot see them with our eyes
• They are what makes food healthy for us
• Examples: Protein in meat, Vitamin C in oranges

Simple Way to Remember:

• Food is like a bag
• Nutrients are the treasures inside the bag

Review of the Six Classes of Food

1. Carbohydrates

• Main Job: Give us energy
• Where Found: Rice, yam, bread, cassava, plantain
• What They Do: Help us run, play, and think

2. Proteins

• Main Job: Build our body
• Where Found: Meat, fish, eggs, beans, milk
• What They Do: Make us grow tall and strong

3. Fats and Oils

• Main Job: Give energy and warmth
• Where Found: Palm oil, butter, groundnuts
• What They Do: Keep us warm and give extra energy

4. Vitamins

• Main Job: Protect us from sickness
• Where Found: Fruits and vegetables
• What They Do: Keep us healthy and help our body work well

5. Minerals

• Main Job: Make bones and teeth strong
• Where Found: Milk, green vegetables, meat
• What They Do: Make our bones hard and our blood healthy

6. Water

• Main Job: Help our body work properly
• Where Found: Water, fruits, vegetables
• What They Do: Keep our body clean inside and help digestion

Nutrients Found in Common Foods

Rice:

• Main Nutrient: Carbohydrates
• What it gives us: Energy to play and study
• Other nutrients: Small amounts of protein and minerals

Meat:

• Main Nutrient: Proteins
• What it gives us: Strong muscles and growth
• Other nutrients: Fats, minerals (iron), and some vitamins

Oranges:

• Main Nutrient: Vitamin C
• What it gives us: Protection from cold and flu
• Other nutrients: Water, small amounts of carbohydrates

Milk:

• Main Nutrient: Protein and Calcium (mineral)
• What it gives us: Strong bones, teeth, and muscles
• Other nutrients: Fats, vitamins, and water

Green Vegetables (like spinach):

• Main Nutrients: Vitamins and Minerals
• What they give us: Protection from diseases, strong blood
• Other nutrients: Small amounts of protein and carbohydrates

Fish:

• Main Nutrient: Proteins
• What it gives us: Strong muscles and brain power
• Other nutrients: Healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins

Balanced Diet

A balanced diet means eating foods from all six classes every day.

Example of a Balanced Meal:

Lunch:

• Rice (Carbohydrates for energy)
• Fish stew (Protein for growth)
• Cooked with palm oil (Fats for energy)
• Green vegetables (Vitamins and minerals for protection)
• Orange (Vitamin C for protection)
• Water (For body functions)

Signs of Good Nutrition

When we eat well, we:

• Grow tall and strong
• Have bright, clear eyes
• Have healthy, shiny hair
• Have strong teeth
• Feel happy and active
• Rarely get sick
• Do well in school

Signs of Poor Nutrition

When we don’t eat well, we:

• Don’t grow properly
• Get tired easily
• Get sick often
• Have dull hair
• Don’t think clearly
• Feel sad or angry often

Foods and Their Main Nutrients

How Our Body Uses Nutrients

1. When we eat food: Our teeth chew it into small pieces
2. In our stomach: Food is broken down further
3. Nutrients are absorbed: Good parts go into our blood
4. Body uses nutrients: They go where needed in our body
5. Waste is removed: Bad parts are removed from our body

Tips for Getting Good Nutrients

1. Eat different colors of fruits and vegetables
2. Don’t eat only one type of food
3. Eat fresh foods when possible
4. Drink clean water regularly
5. Don’t eat too many sweets and candies