Nutritive and Dietetic Value (Junior Cert Home Economics): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
Nutritive and Dietetic Value
Average Composition of Hard Cheese
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25.4% |
| Fats | 34.9% |
| Carbohydrates | 0% |
| Minerals | Calcium |
| Vitamins | A, B group, D |
| Water | 36.6% |
Nutritive Value of Cheese (What's in it?)
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Nutritive Value: Focuses on the nutrients cheese provides (e.g., protein, fats).
- High-Quality Protein: Cheese has HBV (High Biological Value) protein, which is needed for growth and repair of bodily cells.
- High in Saturated Fat: Cheese, especially hard cheese, is rich in saturated fat. This provides energy, but should be eaten in moderation.
- No Carbohydrates: Most cheeses don't contain carbohydrates. They are often eaten with foods rich in carbohydrates, e.g. bread or crackers.
- Excellent Source of Calcium: Cheese is rich in calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Vitamins: Cheese provides vitamin A (for vision and skin health), B group vitamins (for energy and brain function), and vitamin D (for calcium absorption).
- Water Content: Cheese contains water, but the amount depends on the type. Hard cheeses have less water and more fat, while softer cheeses have higher water content.
Dietetic Value of Cheese (Why it's Good for You)
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Dietetic Value: Focuses on how cheese fits into specific diets (e.g., vegetarian, high protein).
- Great for Vegetarians: Cheese's high-quality protein makes it a valuable source of high biological value protein in vegetarian diets.
- Affordable Protein: Cheese is a relatively inexpensive protein source.
- Low-Fat Choices for Diets:
- Full-fat cheese should be limited for those on low-cholesterol diets.
- Low-fat cheese (like cottage cheese) is a better choice for people who want to reduce fat intake.
- Important for Bone Health: Cheese's high calcium content supports bone strength and is especially important for children, teenagers, and pregnant women.
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Additional Notes
- Safety for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Avoid soft, unpasteurised cheeses due to the risk of food poisoning.
- Pairing with Carbohydrates: Because cheese lacks carbohydrates, it is often served with carbohydrate-rich foods, like pizza, sandwiches, and crackers.
- Vitamin C Deficiency: Cheese does not contain vitamin C, so eating it with foods high in vitamin C, like fruits or salads, is a good idea.
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Vitamin D
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Helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus.
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Maintains strong, healthy bones and teeth.
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Supports the immune system. A lack of Vitamin D can cause:
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Rickets in children (soft, weak bones, bowed legs).
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Osteomalacia in adults (bone pain and weakness).
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Osteoporosis (brittle bones, higher risk of fractures).