BIOLOGY GROUP 4 PROJECT REPORT

GROUP 3

GROUP MEMBERS

  • Nick Kariuki
  • Peris Mukoko
  • Eric Mugendi

(group leader)

  • Christine Jobita
  • Omar Chaudry
  • Susan Kariuki

INTRODUCTION

Diet refers to the amount and type of food we eat. In sports, the type of food a player eats determines his performance as well as his general well being. Therefore, the player has to include several key components into his diet, among them carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Each of these components has its own important function, and together they form a balanced diet.

Components of a balanced diet

  • Carbohydrates: Provide energy
  • Proteins: Used for growth and repair of body tissues
  • Lipids: Used to provide energy, thermal insulation, source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K
  • Vitamins: Needed in small amounts for good health, therefore have to be in the diet
  • Minerals: Occur in form of ions, needed to maintain osmotic balance in cells, some have specific functions e.g. iron is used to transport oxygen, it forms the haem group in haemoglobin
  • Water: Needed for temperature regulation, maintenance of osmotic pressure and transportation of substances in the body.
  • Fibre: Comprised mostly of cellulose from plant cell walls. It stimulates movement of food through the gut, thereby aiding digestion
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Did you know?

  • Carbohydrates and lipids provide about 70-75% of the body's energy requirements Lipids are in the form oftriglycerides, meaning they are comprised of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules
  • There are two types of fatty acids: unsaturated fatty acids, which are not completely bonded with hydrogen, usually found in fats, and saturated fatty acids, which are completely bonded with hydrogen, usually found in oils
  • Proteins are an energy source of last resort, and are used to provide energy after all other sources are depleted
  • Loss of about 2% of the body's water content could ...

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