National 5 Health and Food Technology SQA

This subject is broken down into 29 topics in 1 modules:

  1. Core 29 topics
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Health and Food Technology

Core

Relationship between Health, Food and Nutrition

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Relationship between Health, Food and Nutrition

Understanding Health and Wellbeing

  • Health is not simply the absence of illness; it is a holistic view which measures physical, mental, and social well-being.
  • The World Health Organisation's definition of health highlights the interdependence of these three aspects of health.
  • Various external factors can impact health including lifestyle choices, environment and genetics.
  • Nutritional wellbeing and regular physical activity have significant effects on overall health.

Nutrition and Dietary Needs

  • Nutrition refers to the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.
  • The body needs a range of nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water to perform its functions effectively.
  • Each nutrient has a specific role: e.g., carbohydrates provide energy; protein helps in growth and repair; fats are an energy source and help absorption of certain vitamins.
  • Dietary needs can change based on age, gender, physical activity level, and health conditions.

Relationship between Diet and Health

  • A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential to maintaining good health.
  • Consuming too much or too little of a nutrient may lead to nutritional deficiencies or overnutrition, and subsequently health issues.
  • Healthy eating includes consuming the right quantities of foods from all food groups in order to lead a healthy life.
  • Diet-related diseases include obesity, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
  • Malnutrition can result from not getting enough of or getting too much of certain nutrients.

Food Choices and Influences

  • Food choices are influenced by several factors including taste preference, cultural background, economic status, and health awareness.
  • Obesity is a worldwide health concern; it is connected to unhealthy food choices and lack of physical activity.
  • Promoting healthy food choices can contribute to preventing and managing diet-related diseases.
  • Understanding the influence of food marketing and advertising is crucial to make informed food choices.
  • Adapting food choices to special dietary needs or personal beliefs (e.g. vegetarianism or food allergies) requires knowledge and planning of balanced diet.

Food Preparation, Safety and Hygiene

  • Understanding the principles of food hygiene and safety in the storage, preparation, and cooking of food is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses.
  • Different cooking methods affect the nutritional content of food.
  • Food labelling regulations help consumers make informed food choices; they should be understood and adhered to.

Always remember that the relationship between diet, health, and food technology is complex. Good nutrition is a crucial element of health and well-being and it influences all aspects of human life. The correct understanding and application of food technology helps in maintaining nutritional balance and promoting health.

Course material for Health and Food Technology, module Core, topic Relationship between Health, Food and Nutrition

Health and Food Technology

Core

Dietary Needs: Females During Pregnancy and Lactation

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Dietary Needs: Females During Pregnancy and Lactation

Section 1: Understanding Dietary Needs

  • Dietary needs are the nutrients required by the body for healthy growth, development, and function.
  • During certain life stages, like pregnancy and lactation, specific nutrients are needed in higher amounts to support the demands of the mother and baby.

Section 2: Diet for Pregnancy

  • Adequate nutrition during pregnancy affects the health of both mother and baby.
  • An increase in protein intake supports the growth of the foetus and maternal tissues.
  • Folic acid or folate is crucial for preventing neural tube defects. It's found in dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals.
  • Consumption of iron is pivotal to support increased blood volume, provide for placental and foetal needs, and compensate for iron lost during childbirth.
  • Calcium intake is crucial for the development of the baby’s bones, heart, muscles, and nerves. Dairy, green leafy vegetables, and fortified foods are good sources.

Section 3: Diet for Lactation

  • Nutrition during lactation aids the production of breast milk and helps the mother recover from childbirth.
  • Intake of energy-rich foods should be increased as producing breast milk requires more energy.
  • Breast milk is rich in protein, thus, higher protein intake is suggested to support milk production.
  • Mothers should ensure an adequate intake of vitamins, specifically A, B1, B2, B6, B12, D, and iodine to support the nutritional needs of the baby.
  • Adequate fluid intake is important to stay hydrated and support the production of breast milk.

Section 4: Importance of Balanced Diet

  • Both pregnant and lactating women should aim to consume a balanced diet containing a variety of different food groups.
  • This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
  • Regular meals and snacks can aid in meeting increased energy and nutrient needs.

Section 5: Caution with Certain Foods

  • Some foods should be avoided during pregnancy, such as high-mercury fish, raw or undercooked seafood, undercooked meat, raw eggs, and unpasteurised dairy.
  • Alcohol should be avoided entirely during pregnancy and limited during lactation.
  • Caffeine should be limited as it can pass through the placenta and breast milk, potentially affecting the baby.

Section 6: Importance of Prenatal Supplements

  • Sometimes, dietary intake might not be enough to meet the increased nutrient needs during pregnancy and lactation.
  • Prenatal supplements can provide essential nutrients, including folic acid, iron, and calcium.

Section 7: Consult a Healthcare Provider

  • Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice during pregnancy and lactation.
  • It is particularly necessary when dealing with high-risk pregnancies, multiple pregnancies, or pre-existing medical conditions.

Course material for Health and Food Technology, module Core, topic Dietary Needs: Females During Pregnancy and Lactation

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