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Dietary protein is one of the essential nutrients that we must eat every day - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2018
Question 1
Dietary protein is one of the essential nutrients that we must eat every day. The table below shows the ingredients and nutritional information (per 100 g), of a pr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Dietary protein is one of the essential nutrients that we must eat every day - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2018
Step 1
Using the information presented in the table above and having regard to current healthy eating guidelines, evaluate the nutritional value of the pre-prepared beef lasagne.
Answer
The nutritional value of the pre-prepared beef lasagne can be evaluated considering its ingredients and nutritional information.
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Protein Content: At 6.8 g per 100 g, the lasagne provides a moderate source of protein. Protein is vital for growth and repair of body tissues. Having beef as an ingredient suggests a high biological value, contributing essential amino acids.
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Fats: The lasagne contains 5.1 g of fats, which are necessary for energy. However, saturated fats should be limited. Since the dish includes ingredients like cheese and butter, it may contain unhealthy fats that can lead to health issues if consumed in excess.
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Carbohydrates: With 12.6 g of carbohydrates, it serves as a source of energy. The presence of lasagne sheets and tomato purée contributes to the carbohydrate content, which is essential for fueling daily activities.
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Fibre: The lasagne has a relatively good fibre content of 1.0 g, aiding digestion and helping prevent constipation. This suggests a boost from vegetables like carrots and tomatoes in the ingredients.
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Vitamins and Minerals: While not explicitly stated, the inclusion of various vegetables may provide essential vitamins and minerals, yet the overall nutrient balance could benefit from more nutrient-dense ingredients.
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Salt: At 0.5 g of salt, this is a moderate level, but it's important to consider total daily intake to avoid health risks associated with high salt consumption.
In conclusion, while the beef lasagne provides some essential nutrients, including protein and carbohydrates, the balance of fats, especially if they are saturated, warrants attention. Adding more vegetables could improve its overall nutritional profile.
Step 2
Suggest one suitable accompaniment that could be served with beef lasagne. Give a reason for your choice.
Answer
A suitable accompaniment for beef lasagne is a green salad.
Reason: A green salad contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from green vegetables. It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagne and increases the meal's fibre content, which aids digestion. Furthermore, the salad provides essential nutrients that may not be sufficiently present in the lasagne.
Step 3
Give an account of protein under each of the following headings: classification
Answer
Proteins can be classified into two main categories:
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Animal Proteins: These include meat, fish, milk, and dairy products. They provide all essential amino acids, making them complete proteins.
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Vegetable Proteins: These come from plant sources such as legumes (e.g., beans, lentils), grains (e.g., wheat, rice), and nuts. They are often lower in certain essential amino acids and might need to be combined (e.g., rice and beans) to provide a complete amino acid profile.
Step 4
Give an account of protein under each of the following headings: dietary sources
Answer
Common dietary sources of protein include:
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Animal Sources:
- Meat (beef, poultry, pork)
- Fish and seafood
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Eggs
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Vegetable Sources:
- Legumes (soybeans, lentils, peas)
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, chia seeds)
- Whole grains (quinoa, oats)
- Vegetables (broccoli, spinach, though in smaller amounts)
Step 5
Give an account of protein under each of the following headings: functions in the body.
Answer
Proteins serve numerous functions in the body, including:
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Growth and Repair: Essential for the growth and repair of body tissues, including muscle, skin, and organs.
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Enzymatic Function: Many proteins act as enzymes, catalyzing biochemical reactions crucial for metabolism.
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Hormonal Regulation: Some proteins function as hormones, regulating various physiological processes, such as insulin's role in glucose metabolism.
Step 6
Outline three effects of heat on protein foods.
Answer
Heat has significant effects on protein foods, including:
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Denaturation: The structure of proteins changes when exposed to heat, causing them to unfold, which alters their texture and makes them more digestible.
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Coagulation: As proteins denote, they may coagulate, resulting in the solidification of foods like eggs when cooked.
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Microbial Reduction: Cooking proteins at high temperatures destroys harmful microorganisms, improving food safety.
Step 7
Discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of shopping online for groceries (food items).
Answer
Advantages:
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Convenience: Shopping online allows customers to browse and purchase items without having to leave their homes, saving time and effort.
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Variety and Comparison: Online platforms typically offer a wider variety of products, enabling easy comparisons and access to multiple brands all in one place.
Disadvantages:
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Risk of Fraud: Online grocery shopping can expose customers to risks such as credit card fraud, especially if proper security measures are not in place.
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Lack of Personal Inspection: Shoppers cannot physically inspect items for freshness or quality before purchase, which could lead to receiving substandard products.