Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
Nutrition and Diet in Health
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Nutrition and Diet in Health
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Subject: Physical Education Health Elective
Class: SHS 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 6
Grade code: 2.1.1.LI.1
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.1.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.1.1.LI.1
Theme: Health Education
Subtheme: Nutrition and Diet in Health
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This lesson explores the fundamental connection between what we eat (our diet) and how our bodies function (nutrition and health). In Ghana, where we are blessed with a rich variety of foods like *waakye*, *kenkey*, and *fufu*, understanding how to make healthy choices is crucial for a long and active life. We will also examine the critical importance of food safety and wholesomeness, whether we are buying food from a street vendor in Accra, a market in Kumasi, or preparing a meal at home. This knowledge empowers us to prevent diseases and maintain our physical well-being.
Part 1: The Relationship Between Nutrition and Diet in Health
a) What is Nutrition? Nutrition is the scientific study of how food and drink affect our bodies, especially in relation to health and disease. It’s about the nutrients in food, how the body uses them (digestion, absorption, metabolism), and how these nutrients influence growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues. Nutrients: These are the chemical substances in food that our bodies need to function. They are categorised into two groups: Macronutrients: Needed in large amounts. They provide energy (measured in calories or kilojoules). Carbohydrates: Main source of energy. E.g., Yam, Cassava (*banku*, *fufu*, *gari*), Rice (*omo tuo*, *waakye*), Maize (*kenkey*, *tuo zaafi*), Plantain. Proteins: For building and repairing body tissues (muscles, organs). E.g., Beans, Groundnuts (*nkate nkwan*), Eggs, Fish (*tilapia*, *saman*), Meat (*beef*, *chevon*). Fats and Oils: Provide concentrated energy and help absorb certain vitamins. E.g., Palm oil, Coconut oil, Groundnut oil, Avocado. Micronutrients: Needed in small amounts, but are essential for health. Vitamins: (e.g., Vitamin A, C, B-complex). Help regulate body processes. E.g., Found in fruits like mangoes and oranges, and vegetables like *kontomire* and garden eggs. Minerals: (e.g., Iron, Calcium, Iodine). Important for strong bones, blood, and other functions. E.g., Iron in green leafy vegetables (*gboma*), Calcium in small fish eaten with bones (*keta school boys*), Iodine in iodized salt.
b) What is a Diet? A diet is simply the sum of all the food and drink a person consumes regularly. It is *what* you eat. It is your personal eating pattern. Example: A student's typical daily diet might be: Breakfast: Hausa Koko with Koose. Lunch: Waakye with shito, gari, and fish. Supper: Fufu with light soup and goat meat.
This entire collection of meals is their diet. A diet can be balanced or unbalanced, healthy or unhealthy.