Background: In this assignment, you willinvestigate the chemical composition of the foods we eat as ourbodies break down food by the digestive process.
The USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory has posted a resourcethrough which you can investigate the chemical composition offoods. Go to the USDA Lab Link at USDA Nutrient DataLaboratory: http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
Instructions
- Type in a keyword, then select a food group using the drop-downarrow, then click "submit."
- This pulls up a menu with lots of choices.
- Choose one food choice, then click "submit"
- Next choose a portion size, then click "submit"
- This will bring up the nutritional informationneeded to complete the assignment.
Example:
- Keyword: Apple
- Select Food Group: Fruits and FruitJuice
- Apples, raw, with skin.
- One medium
Assignmentdetails:
A. Nutrition: Analyze the nutritionalcomponents of the food you select; and in your own words, answerthe following questions using the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory Website as listed in the unit Web resources:
- What was the food and portion size you chose?
- Describe its composition in terms of carbohydrates, lipids, andproteins.
- How many calories are in your food item? (Found in the Databaseas Energy ââ¬â kcal)
- List some of the most common vitamins and minerals in this fooditem.
- Are there other important nutritional components of this fooditem? If so, list these. If not, say so.
B. Water:
- How much of your food item is water?
- Provide one reason why water is important for life. Toadequately answer this question, it will be necessary to explain areason for waterââ¬â¢s importance based upon its chemical and /orphysical properties.
C. Biological Molecule:
- State the most abundant category of biological molecule in yourfood: carbohydrates, lipids, or proteins.
- Describe the structure of this type of molecule, and itsprimary function(s). This section will not be a one sentence answer.In order to adequately ââ¬Ådescribeâ⬠an entire category ofbiological molecules, you will need to briefly review their basicmolecular structures and functions.
D. Recommendation:
After identifying the nutritional components, discuss WHY youwould or would not recommend this food item as part of a healthy,nutritious diet. Be sure to use references and guidelines such asthe Food Pyramid and Recommended Daily Allowances to support yourrecommendations.