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Irish healthy eating guidelines encourage people to eat a variety of foods based on the Food Pyramid - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2013
Question 1
Irish healthy eating guidelines encourage people to eat a variety of foods based on the Food Pyramid. Findings are presented below on the percentage of respondents c... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Irish healthy eating guidelines encourage people to eat a variety of foods based on the Food Pyramid - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2013
Step 1
In relation to the information provided in the chart, comment and elaborate on the percentage of respondents consuming the recommended number of daily servings from each shelf of the Food Pyramid.
Answer
The data from the Food Pyramid spanning 1998 to 2007 highlights significant trends in dietary practices among the population.
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Cereals, Breads, and Potatoes: There was a noticeable decrease in the percentage of respondents consuming 6 or more daily servings, dropping from 40% in 1998 to 26% in 2007. This decline may indicate a shift towards lower carbohydrate diets or increased awareness of other food groups.
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Fruit and Vegetables: The consumption of 4 or more daily servings increased from 56% to 65%, showing a positive trend towards healthier eating, possibly influenced by public health campaigns promoting fruit and vegetable intake.
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Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt Products: The percentage of people consuming 3 daily servings fell slightly from 22% to 20%, which might suggest a decline in dairy consumption, possibly due to dietary trends such as lactose intolerance awareness or alternatives like plant-based milks.
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Meat, Fish, Poultry, and Alternatives: This category saw a minor increase from 36% to 39%, indicating a steady consumption of these protein sources, though it may still not meet recommended guidelines.
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Foods High in Fats, Sugar, or Salt: The top shelf consumption remained constant at 14%, revealing a persistent pattern in high-calorie food choices that may contribute to health issues. This could indicate either a normalization of unhealthy food choices or insufficient public health impact despite rising health concerns.
Step 2
Identify and give an account of the main factors that are contributing to the prevalence of obesity in Ireland.
Answer
Several major factors contribute to the rising prevalence of obesity in Ireland:
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Dietary Choices: Increased availability and consumption of high-calorie, processed foods that are energy-dense but nutrient-poor promote excess calorie intake.
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Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles, exacerbated by increased screen time and less physical labor, contribute substantially to energy imbalance.
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Socioeconomic Factors: Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may have limited access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity, leading to higher rates of obesity.
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Cultural Influences: Social norms and cultural attitudes towards food can shape dietary habits, often promoting the consumption of larger portion sizes and unhealthy foods.
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Marketing and Advertising: Aggressive marketing of unhealthy products, particularly to children, has a significant impact on dietary preferences and habits.
Step 3
Outline the significance of fatty acids in the diet.
Answer
Fatty acids play essential roles in maintaining health and wellbeing:
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Energy Source: Fatty acids are a concentrated source of energy, providing 9 calories per gram, which is vital for cellular functions.
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Cell Structure: They are fundamental components of cell membranes, affecting fluidity and function, and supporting overall cellular integrity.
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Nutrient Absorption: Fatty acids facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), which are critical for various bodily functions.
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Biological Functions: Certain fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play crucial roles in inflammatory responses, cardiovascular health, and brain function.
Step 4
Describe the structure of each of the following: - cis fatty acids - trans fatty acids - omega 3 fatty acids.
Answer
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Cis Fatty Acids: In cis fatty acids, the hydrogen atoms attached to the double bond are on the same side, causing a bend in the fatty acid chain that leads to lower melting points and is primarily found in natural fats and oils.
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Trans Fatty Acids: In trans fatty acids, the hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond, resulting in a straighter chain. This structure resembles that of saturated fats and is often found in partially hydrogenated oils, linked to adverse health effects.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have a double bond at the third carbon from the end of the chain. This structure is vital for producing important biological compounds that regulate inflammation and is abundant in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Step 5
Discuss how food labelling assists consumers in making informed food choices.
Answer
Food labeling plays a crucial role in guiding consumer choices:
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Nutritional Information: Clear labels provide vital information about calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients, allowing consumers to compare products and make healthier choices.
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Ingredient Transparency: Labels list ingredients in descending order by weight, helping consumers identify additives and preservatives, promoting awareness of what they are consuming.
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Health Claims: Labels often include health claims that can guide consumers towards products that align with their dietary goals, though understanding these claims requires careful reading.
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Portion Control: Labeling can help consumers understand standard serving sizes, promoting portion control and helping to prevent overconsumption.
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Allergen Information: Labelling provides critical allergen information, aiding consumers with food allergies or intolerances in avoiding harmful ingredients.