Grade 5 Home Science Foods And Nutriation – Food Nutrients Notes

Home Science — Foods and Nutrition

Subtopic: Food Nutrients (for learners aged 10)

Foods are made of different nutrients. Nutrients are tiny helpers that give our bodies energy, help us grow, and keep us healthy. Here are the main nutrients and examples from Kenyan foods.

1. Carbohydrates — Our energy food 🍚

What they do: Give quick energy for playing and school.

Kenyan examples: Ugali (from maize), rice, chapati, millet (githeri), arrowroots, potatoes, cassava.

2. Proteins — Builders and repairers 🥚🐟

What they do: Help you grow, build muscles, and fix cuts.

Kenyan examples: Maharagwe (beans), nyama (beef), kuku (chicken), samaki (fish), dagaa (small fish), eggs, dried beans, groundnuts.

3. Fats — Store energy and keep you warm 🥥

What they do: Give long-lasting energy and help the body use some vitamins.

Kenyan examples: Avocado (maharage), cooking oil, coconut, nuts, fatty fish like tilapia.

4. Vitamins — Protectors (A, B, C, D...) 🍊🥕

What they do: Help the body fight sickness, keep eyes and skin healthy.

Kenyan examples: Sukuma wiki (kale), spinach, carrots, oranges, mangoes, tomatoes, fruits like ndizi (bananas).

5. Minerals — Strong bones and blood (iron, calcium) 🥛🦴

What they do: Make bones, teeth and blood strong.

Kenyan examples: Milk (maziwa), yoghurt, sukuma wiki, fish bones (like when cooked small), beans, dark green vegetables.

6. Fibre — Clean tummy food 🌽

What it does: Keeps your digestion moving so you don’t get constipated.

Kenyan examples: Whole maize, beans, fruits, vegetables, pili pili hoho (peppers).

7. Water — Most important! 💧

What it does: Keeps you hydrated, helps food move in your body, and keeps you cool. Drink clean water every day.

Tips for eating well (easy to follow)

• Eat different foods every day — variety keeps you strong.
• Wash hands before eating and after using the latrine.
• Include at least one vegetable and one fruit daily.
• Drink clean water; avoid too many sweet drinks and fizzy sodas.
• Eat small, regular meals and snack on fruits or nuts.

Fun classroom activity

Create a week's meal chart: write breakfast, lunch and supper for each day. Try to include all nutrients during the week. Use local foods you know.

Short quiz (try answering)

1. Which nutrient helps you grow and repair your body? (a) Carbohydrates (b) Proteins (c) Water
2. Name one Kenyan food that gives you iron.
3. True or False: You should drink water every day.

Answers: 1 = (b) Proteins. 2 = Examples: maziwa (milk), sukuma wiki, maharagwe (beans). 3 = True.