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'Fruit and vegetables are highly nutritious and an essential part of the diet, however only 21% of adult men and 19% of women in Ireland are meeting the current World Health Organisation target, with young children eating even less.' (safefood) (a) Discuss (i) the nutritional significance and (ii) the contribution to the diet of fruit and vegetables - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2008
Question 2
'Fruit and vegetables are highly nutritious and an essential part of the diet, however only 21% of adult men and 19% of women in Ireland are meeting the current Worl... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Fruit and vegetables are highly nutritious and an essential part of the diet, however only 21% of adult men and 19% of women in Ireland are meeting the current World Health Organisation target, with young children eating even less.' (safefood) (a) Discuss (i) the nutritional significance and (ii) the contribution to the diet of fruit and vegetables - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2008
Step 1
(a) Discuss (i) the nutritional significance
Answer
Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients and play a vital role in maintaining overall health. They provide important vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, and E, which are crucial for immune function, skin health, and antioxidant activities. Additionally, fruits and vegetables contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. They are typically low in calories and have no cholesterol, making them beneficial for weight management.
Their diverse range of phytochemicals also contributes to reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and certain cancers.
Step 2
(a) Discuss (ii) the contribution to the diet of fruit and vegetables.
Answer
Fruits and vegetables contribute significantly to a balanced diet by providing essential nutrients and health benefits. They can enhance the flavor and variety of meals, encouraging healthier eating habits. Their high water content helps in hydration, while their varied colors and textures stimulate appetite, particularly in young children. Moreover, regular consumption is linked to improving heart health, reducing blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight by fostering a sense of fullness when included in meals.
Step 3
(b) Suggest one method of food preservation.
Answer
One effective method of food preservation is jam-making. This involves cooking fruits with sugar to create a concentrated syrup. The high sugar concentration leads to a low water activity environment, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
Step 4
(b) Explain the underlying principle of the method of preservation you have selected.
Answer
The underlying principle of jam-making centers around the concept of osmotic pressure. When fruits are mixed with a concentrated sugar solution, the sugar draws out moisture from the fruit, which helps to prevent microbial growth. High temperatures used during cooking also serve to destroy enzymes and any existing microorganisms, ensuring the jam remains safe for consumption and extends its shelf life.
Step 5
(c) Write an informative note on food irradiation.
Answer
Food irradiation is a technique that exposes food to controlled doses of ionizing radiation. This process aims to eliminate harmful pathogens and prolong the shelf-life of food products. By destroying microorganisms that can cause spoilage or foodborne illnesses, irradiation helps keep food safe for longer periods.
Moreover, it can delay ripening in fruits and vegetables and prevent sprouting in tubers. It is important to note that while irradiation does not significantly change the nutritional value of food, it may lead to color and texture alterations. In the EU, foods that undergo irradiation are required to be labeled accordingly, using the Radura symbol, which indicates that the food has been treated to enhance food safety.