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‘Fish has long been recognised as one of nature’s healthiest foods.’ (www.bordbia.ie) (a) Give an account of (i) the nutritive value and (ii) the dietetic value of fish - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3 - 2020
Question 3
‘Fish has long been recognised as one of nature’s healthiest foods.’ (www.bordbia.ie) (a) Give an account of (i) the nutritive value and (ii) the dietetic value of ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘Fish has long been recognised as one of nature’s healthiest foods.’ (www.bordbia.ie) (a) Give an account of (i) the nutritive value and (ii) the dietetic value of fish - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3 - 2020
Step 1
(i) the nutritive value of fish
Answer
Fish is a valuable source of high biological value (HBV) protein, which is essential for growth and repair of body tissues. It also contains polyunsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Key vitamins include:
- Vitamin B: important for energy metabolism, particularly in fish like tuna and salmon.
- Vitamin D: crucial for bone health, especially in oily fish such as mackerel.
Minerals found in fish include iodine, which is vital for thyroid function, and calcium, especially in canned fish with bones like sardines. Iron can also be found in shellfish, contributing to its nutritional profile.
Step 2
(ii) the dietetic value of fish
Answer
Fish is easy to digest, making it suitable for all age groups, including children and the elderly. It also plays a role in maintaining healthy muscles and providing essential nutrients. The omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Furthermore, fish can be cooked using various methods such as steaming or grilling, which helps retain their nutritional quality, allowing for versatile meal preparation that saves time and energy.
Step 3
Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of including processed fish in the diet
Answer
Advantages:
- Quick to cook: Processed fish often come pre-prepared, making meal preparation fast and convenient.
- Little to no cooking skills required: Most processed fish can be heated or cooked with minimal culinary skill.
- Fortified with nutrients: Some processed fish products are fortified with vitamins and minerals, enhancing their nutrition.
- Variety available: Processed fish can be found in various forms, including frozen or canned options, offering convenience for different dietary needs.
Disadvantages:
- Costly: Processed options can be more expensive than fresh fish.
- Nutrient loss: The processing methods may lead to a reduction in some nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
- Preservatives and additives: Processed fish may contain higher levels of preservatives, flavorings, and unhealthy ingredients, which can be detrimental to health.
- Quality concerns: Some processed fish may be of lower quality, leading to risks associated with the freshness and safety of the product.
Step 4
Name two food packaging materials
Answer
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Plastic: Plastic is widely used for packaging food items due to its lightweight and versatile nature. However, it contributes significantly to environmental issues. Plastics are non-biodegradable, can lead to landfill overflow, and pose a threat to wildlife through ingestion of plastic debris.
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Glass: Glass is a durable and recyclable packaging material. While it has a lower environmental impact in terms of emissions during production, glass is heavy and can lead to higher transportation emissions. It also reduces waste from food packaging because it can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality.