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Following the guidelines of the new food pyramid and being active gives people the best chance of being healthy and well - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2013
Question 1
Following the guidelines of the new food pyramid and being active gives people the best chance of being healthy and well. (a) Discuss the role of the food pyramid a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Following the guidelines of the new food pyramid and being active gives people the best chance of being healthy and well - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2013
Step 1
Discuss the role of the food pyramid as a source of information on healthy eating.
Answer
The food pyramid serves as a visual guideline for balancing daily food intake. It categorizes foods into groups and emphasizes the importance of consuming a variety of items from each group to ensure a well-rounded diet.
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Structure: The pyramid's structure depicts the proportions of different food categories, suggesting that consumers should prioritize fruits and vegetables, along with grains, while limiting fats and sugars.
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Balanced Nutrition: It highlights the nutrients provided by each group, educating individuals on how to fulfill their dietary needs effectively.
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Healthier Choices: By following the pyramid, people can make informed choices and understand how diverse foods contribute to overall health, which includes preventing obesity and chronic diseases.
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Educational Tool: The food pyramid acts as an educational resource, providing practical information for meal planning and promoting an active lifestyle.
Step 2
Give an account of proteins under each of the following headings: • composition
Answer
Proteins are complex macromolecules made up of amino acids. There are 20 standard amino acids, each containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, with some also including sulfur.
- Peptide Bonds: Amino acids link together through peptide bonds to form polypeptides, which then fold into specific three-dimensional structures crucial for their functions.
Step 3
Give an account of proteins under each of the following headings: • classification
Answer
Proteins can be classified into two major categories:
- Simple Proteins: These consist only of amino acids, such as albumin found in eggs and collagen in connective tissues.
- Conjugated Proteins: These contain amino acids along with non-protein groups, such as glycoproteins and lipoproteins. For example, hemoglobin is a conjugated protein that includes heme as a non-protein component.
Step 4
Give an account of proteins under each of the following headings: • dietary sources
Answer
Dietary sources of proteins include:
- Animal Sources: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products are rich in complete proteins, containing all essential amino acids.
- Plant Sources: Legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts, seeds, and certain grains also provide protein, though they may lack one or more essential amino acids, making them incomplete.
Step 5
Give an account of proteins under each of the following headings: • functions in the body
Answer
Proteins serve several vital functions in the body, including:
- Structural Role: They provide structure to cells and tissues, like collagen in connective tissues.
- Enzymatic Role: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, facilitating metabolic processes.
- Transport Role: Proteins such as hemoglobin transport oxygen throughout the body.
- Immune Response: Antibodies are specialized proteins that help defend against pathogens.
Step 6
Explain the following properties of protein and give an example of each: • denaturation.
Answer
Denaturation refers to the alteration or unfolding of a protein's structure due to environmental factors, such as heat or pH. This change can lead to a loss of biological function.
- Example: When an egg is boiled, the heat denatures the proteins, changing the liquid egg into a solid form.
Step 7
Explain the following properties of protein and give an example of each: • coagulation.
Answer
Coagulation is a specific type of denaturation in which a protein changes from a liquid to a solid state. This is common in cooking processes.
- Example: When albumin in egg whites is subjected to heat, it coagulates and forms a firm structure, which is why boiled eggs become solid.
Step 8
Discuss four ways that consumers may reduce their food bill when purchasing protein foods.
Answer
Consumers can take several measures to reduce their food bills when purchasing protein foods:
- Buy in Bulk: Purchasing protein-rich foods in larger quantities can often lower costs significantly.
- Choose Cheaper Cuts of Meat: Opting for less expensive cuts or alternate protein sources such as beans and lentils can provide substantial savings.
- Plan Meals: Planning meals in advance can help minimize waste and ensure that only necessary items are bought, reducing overall spending.
- Utilize Sales and Discounts: Keeping an eye on store promotions and markdowns helps consumers purchase protein foods at lower prices.