In Theme 3, you learned about the digestive system and how that system works with the circulatory system. How do what you eat and your lifestyle affect the relationship between circulation and digestion? To understand this, you must look at the foods you eat and how they influence your bodily functions.

                          

To begin, in this activity, you will first look at a branch of science called nutrition. 

What Is Nutrition?

Nutrition is a branch of science that studies foods, and how your body uses them. People who study the food needs of people and other organisms are called nutritionists. Nutritionists develop lists of nutrient requirements that should be taken in on a daily basis. Nutrients are substances found in all foods and these provide nourishment to your body. In order to remain healthy, all people and animals must consume a mixture of foods and drinks to supply enough energy and nourishment to their bodies. This helps to maintain the body's cells, organs, and tissues, and to support growth and development.

 

People of all ages should eat a variety of foods. For example, over a weekly period, we should all eat and drink enough nutrients to meet our nutritional needs.

When essential nutrients are missing from a diet, malnutrition occurs. It might occur if someone eats too little food. It might also occur if people eat enough food but make poor food choices and then miss important nutrients.

 

This young child suffers from malnutrition caused by a lack of protein in his diet.

People who are malnourished may suffer from sickness more often, and they may not live as long. Some who lack an adequate supply of food may die from starvation. Young children who do not receive proper nutrition may not grow properly and may have life-long health conditions.