Photo AI
‘Fat is an essential part of our diet - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2008
Question 1
‘Fat is an essential part of our diet. Fat has health benefits but it also has a lot of negative aspects. Consumers must make informed decisions on the amount and ty... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘Fat is an essential part of our diet - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2008
Step 1
Using the information provided in the table, evaluate each of the three products described, having regard to current dietary advice on fat intake.
Answer
-
Extra Light Spread:
- Calories: Lowest in calories at 188 kcal.
- Fat Content: Contains 18g of fat, which is lower in comparison to others, making it suitable for weight-conscious consumers.
- Fat Quality: High in monounsaturated fats at 4.1g, which may help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
-
Original Spread:
- Calories: 531 kcal, indicates a higher energy and fat content.
- Fat Quality: Contains 12g of saturated fats, which could raise cholesterol levels if consumed excessively.
- Recommendation: Recommend moderation due to its higher saturated fat content.
-
Butter:
- Calories: 744 kcal, highest in calories among the three.
- Fat Quality: Contains 52.1g of saturated fats, which is linked to higher cholesterol and increased heart disease risk.
- Recommendation: Not advised for regular consumption due to its high saturated fat content.
Step 2
Describe the structure and give one example of each of the following: saturated fatty acids.
Answer
Saturated fatty acids:
- Structure: Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, resulting in a full complement of hydrogen atoms.
- Example: Stearic acid (C18:0) is a common saturated fatty acid found in animal fats.
Step 3
Describe the structure and give one example of each of the following: monounsaturated fatty acids.
Answer
Monounsaturated fatty acids:
- Structure: These fats contain one double bond between carbon atoms.
- Example: Oleic acid (C18:1) is a well-known monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil.
Step 4
Describe the structure and give one example of each of the following: polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Answer
Polyunsaturated fatty acids:
- Structure: These fats have more than one double bond between the carbon atoms.
- Example: Linoleic acid (C18:2) is a common polyunsaturated fatty acid found in vegetable oils.
Step 5
Write an explanatory note on each of the following properties of lipids: rancidity.
Answer
Rancidity:
- Rancidity occurs when lipids oxidize, leading to undesirable flavors and odors. This process can be sped up by exposure to light, heat, and oxygen.
- The reaction often involves the degradation of unsaturated fatty acids, rendering the lipids unpalatable.
Step 6
Write an explanatory note on each of the following properties of lipids: emulsification.
Answer
Emulsification:
- Emulsification is the process of mixing two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water. When combined, one liquid forms tiny droplets within the other.
- This process is essential for creating stable emulsions like mayonnaise and salad dressings.
Step 7
Explain how (i) advertising might influence decision making when purchasing dairy products.
Answer
Advertising:
- Advertising can have a significant impact on consumer choices. It often highlights the benefits of specific dairy products, including health claims, taste, and nutritional value.
- Promotional strategies might make certain products more appealing, influencing consumers to choose them over alternatives, despite personal dietary requirements.
Step 8
Explain how (ii) a person’s health status might influence decision making when purchasing dairy products.
Answer
Person's Health Status:
- A person's health status plays a crucial role in decision-making. For example, individuals with lactose intolerance might avoid dairy products containing lactose, opting for lactose-free alternatives.
- Additionally, those with specific health conditions (e.g., heart disease) may look for low-fat or unsaturated fat options to manage their health more effectively.