Digestion
People take nutrients from food for energy and growth. Carbohydrates (bread, rice, fruit) give the main energy; proteins (meat, eggs, milk, peas) are building material for new cells and are especially important for children; fats also give energy and cushion organs; vitamins and minerals (vegetables, fruit) keep us healthy. The path of food: mouth (chewing) → throat → gullet → stomach (mixes with stomach juice) → small intestine (nutrients pass into the blood) → large intestine (waste is removed). Blood carries nutrients around the whole body. Eating rules: wash hands before meals, eat regularly, chew well without hurrying, eat a variety of foods, eat sweets and fatty or salty food in moderation, and avoid heavy meals late in the evening.
A healthy day’s menu: in groups plan breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each meal should have protein, fat and carbohydrate foods. Which group’s menu is most balanced? Start by washing hands.