The Nutrients In The Food We Eat And Their Importance To Growth Basic 2 Social Studies Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

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

• Define nutrient and food
• Mention various nutrients gotten from the food we eat
• List the six classes of food with examples
• Discuss the importance of food to our growth

What is Food?

Food is anything we eat or drink that gives our body energy and helps us grow strong and healthy.

Simple Definition: Food is what we eat to stay alive, grow, and be strong.

What are Nutrients?

Nutrients are the good things found in food that our body needs to work properly, grow, and stay healthy.

Simple Definition: Nutrients are the healthy parts of food that help our body grow and stay strong.

The Six Classes of Food

1. Carbohydrates (Energy Foods)

What they do: Give us energy to play, run, and think

Examples:

• Rice
• Bread
• Yam
• Plantain
• Cassava
• Sweet potato
• Cereals

2. Proteins (Body Building Foods)

What they do: Help us grow tall and build strong muscles

Examples:

• Meat (beef, chicken, goat meat)
• Fish
• Eggs
• Beans
• Milk
• Cheese
• Groundnuts

3. Fats and Oils (Energy Foods)

What they do: Give us energy and keep our body warm

Examples:

• Palm oil
• Groundnut oil
• Butter
• Margarine
• Coconut oil
• Olive oil

4. Vitamins (Protective Foods)

What they do: Protect us from getting sick and help our body work well

Examples of Foods Rich in Vitamins:

• Oranges (Vitamin C)
• Carrots (Vitamin A)
• Green vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Mangoes
• Pawpaw

5. Minerals (Protective Foods)

What they do: Make our bones and teeth strong, help our blood

Examples of Foods Rich in Minerals:

• Milk (Calcium)
• Fish (Calcium)
• Green vegetables (Iron)
• Meat (Iron)
• Salt (Sodium)

6. Water

What it does: Helps our body work properly, keeps us clean inside

Sources:

• Drinking water
• Fruits like watermelon, oranges
• Vegetables like cucumber
• Soups and beverages

Importance of Food to Our Growth

1. Physical Growth

• Food helps us grow taller
• Makes our muscles bigger and stronger
• Helps our bones grow strong
• Makes our teeth healthy

2. Mental Growth

• Food helps our brain work better
• Makes us think clearly
• Helps us remember things
• Makes us smart in school

3. Energy for Activities

• Food gives us strength to play
• Helps us run and jump
• Gives us energy to study
• Helps us do our daily activities

4. Protection from Diseases

• Good food keeps us healthy
• Protects us from getting sick often
• Helps us heal quickly when we get hurt
• Makes our body fight germs

5. Proper Body Functions

• Food helps our heart beat properly
• Helps us breathe well
• Makes our stomach work correctly
• Helps all parts of our body work together

What Happens When We Don’t Eat Good Food?

Poor Growth:

• We may not grow tall
• We become weak
• Our muscles don’t develop well

Getting Sick Often:

• We catch cold and fever easily
• We feel tired all the time
• We don’t heal quickly from injuries

Poor Performance:

• We can’t think clearly
• We don’t do well in school
• We can’t play actively with friends

How to Eat Healthy

1. Eat from all six classes of food daily
2. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
3. Drink lots of clean water
4. Don’t eat too much sugar and sweet things
5. Eat at regular times
6. Don’t skip meals

CLASS EXERCISE – WEEK 8

Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C):

1. What is food?

1. A) Only water
2. B) Anything we eat to stay alive and grow
3. C) Only fruits

1. How many classes of food do we have?

1. A) Four
2. B) Five
3. C) Six

1. Which food gives us energy to play?

1. A) Rice and bread
2. B) Only water
3. C) Only vegetables

1. Proteins help us to:

1. A) Sleep all day
2. B) Grow tall and build muscles
3. C) Become lazy

1. Which is a source of Vitamin C?

1. A) Rice
2. B) Oranges
3. C) Meat

Answers: 1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-B