Home Economics

Home Economics

1. Functions of food

   • Food helps the body grow
   • Food provides the body with energy and warmth
   • Food protects the body against disease

2. Factors of affecting food choice

   • Lifestyle: Some people spend more time than others preparing and cooking food. Convenience foods and snacks have become popular in many busy households
   • Nutritional value: Many people choose foods which are considered healthy, for example foods that are low in sugar, salt or fat
   • Cost: People will not buy foods that are too expensive
   • Culture: Certain foods are linked to particular countries. Special occasions such as Christmas are celebrated with certain dishes.
   • Religion: Some religions have rules regarding foods.
   • Availability: Potatoes are plentiful in Ireland. Staple foods are those that are plentiful and most commonly eaten in a country
   • Foods in season: Some foods are more available only at certain times of the year.
   • Advertising: Advertising encourages people to buy certain foods, many foods which are heavily advertised are high in sugar and fat
   • Personal likes and dislikes: We may like or dislike the appearance, smell and taste of certain foods.

3. Nutrients

   • Fat
     • Functions of fat
       • Fat provides heat and energy.
       • Fats contain the vitamins A,D,E and K because these vitamins dissolve in fat
       • A layer of fat under the skin insulates the body and prevents heat loss.
       • Fats protect delicate organs , such as kidneys and nerves.
       • Fats give a feeling of fullness and elay the feeling of hunger
     • Types of fat
       • Saturated fats come mainly from anianl sources
       • Unsaturated fats come from plant and marine (fish) sources
   • Protien
     • Functions of protein
       • It helps the body cells to grow
       • It helps the body to repair damaged cells.
       • It forms hormones and enzymes for the body to work properly
       • Protein is used for heat and energy when there are not enough energy foods in the diet
     • Types of protein
   • Carbohydrates
     • Functions of carbohydrates
       • Sugars and starchy foods provide heat and energy
       • Fibre helps the movement of food through the body
       • Fibre gives a feeling of fullness
   • Minerals
     • Function of minerals
       • Minerals are essential for a healthy body. Some minerals are needed in relativity large amount, e.g. Calcium. Other minerals are needed in a very small amount, these are called trace minerals.
     • Some important minerals are:
       • Calcium
         • Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth
         • Deficiency Diseases
           • If there is not enough calcium in the body, the bones become soft. This is called rickets. Brittle bones and tooth decay can also occur.
         • Function of calcium
         • Sources of calcium
           • Calcium is found in milk, cheese, yoghurt, tinned fish, bread, green vegetables and water
         • Recommended dietary allowance
           • Calcium: 122mg
       • Iron
         • Function of Iron
           • Iron helps to make healthy red blood cells. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, which is a substance in red blood cells. Haemoglobin helps carry oxygen around the body which gives us energy.
         • Deficiency diseases
           • When we don't consume enough iron, we feel tired, weak and 'run down'. Eventually, this leads to a disease called anaemia.
         • Sources of Iron
           • Red Meat, liver, fortified breakfast cereals, whole cereals, brown bread and green vegetables.
         • Recommended dietary allowance
           • Iron: 14mg
       • Sodium (salt)
         • Functions of Sodium
           • Controls water balance in the body
         • Sources of Sodium
           • Table salt, bacon, processed meats, snack foods, butter and cheese
         • Deficiency diseases
           • Muscle cramps
       • Phosphorus
         • Functions of phosphorus
           • Combines with calcium for strong bones and teeth
         • Sources of phosphorus
           • Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, pulse vegetables, whole cereals.
         • Deficiency diseases
           • Rare because it is found in so many foods
       • Flourine
         • Functions of flourine
           • Healthy teeth
         • Sources of flourine
           • Drinking water and fish
         • Deficiency diseases
           • Tooth Decay
   • Vitamins
     • Vitamins are needed in very small amounts in the body. They are divided into two groups:
       • Water-soluble (dissolve in water)
         • Vitamin B group and vitamin C
       • Fat-soluble (dissolve in fat)
         • Vitamins: A,D,E and K
   • Water
     • Functions of water
       • Satisfies thirst
       • Helps digestion
       • Helps remove waste from the body, for example in urine
       • A source of minerals such as flouride and calcium
       • Part of all body fluids