Week five
Topic: PROTEINS
Protein is another macro nutrient required by the body. Protein is made up of carbon, hydrogen nitrogen, and oxygen. The major structural unit of protein is amino acid. Protein can be classified into two. Protein that contain all the essential amino acids are called first class or complete or animal proteins. The other class of protein is the second class or incomplete or plant protein because they lack one or more of the essential amino acids.
Functions of proteins
1. It promotes growth.
2. It repairs worn out tissues.
3. It serves as source of energy in the absence of carbohydrate and fats.
4. It builds anti-bodies that fight against infections and diseases.
5. It builds enzymes to catalyze chemical reactions of the body.
6. It builds hormones that assist in the regulation of body processes.
7. It forms the major structural component of the cells.
8. It is responsible for the transmission of hereditary traits or characteristics from parents to off springs.
DEFICIENCY OF PROTEINS.
The deficiency of protein leads to poor growth and lower resistance to infections. In infants, it leads to kwashiorkor and marasmus.
Food sources of proteins
Protein can be obtained from animals and their products. Such as egg, beans, groundnut, milk, cheese, fish, poultry, soya beans, meat, peas etc.
Week 6
Topic: FATS AND OILS
Fats and oils
Fats and oil are another group of macro nutrients that is required by the body. It composes of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Excess carbohydrates and proteins can be converted into fats and stored under the skin. The structural unit of fats and oils are glycerol and fatty acid.
Differences between fats and oils
| Fats | Oils |
| 1. Fats are solid at room temperature. | Oils are liquid at room temperature. |
| 2. Fats contain saturated fatty acid. | Oils contain unsaturated fatty acids. |
| 3. Fats are obtained from animals. | Oil is obtained from plants and vegetables. |
Functions of fats and oils
1. It serves as source of heat and energy.
2. It acts as insulator, thus preventing heat loss from the body.
3. It acts as cushion to the delicate internal organs, hence, it protects them against shock and damage.
4. It contribute to flavor and palatability of food.
5. It provides satiety, hence, delay the onset of hunger because they are not digested easily.
6. It facilitates the absorption of fat soluble vitamins.
7. It promotes healthy hair and skin.
Although, fairly large amount of fat and oil are needed by the body but the excessive consumption can lead to overweight or obesity.
Food sources of fats and oils are margarine, butter, edible oils such as: palm oil, groundnut oil, corn oils, soybeans oil, vegetable oil etc.