1. The Human Diet

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Food → Provides Energy, Raw Materials, Disease Resistance
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Nutrients
➝ Macronutrients (Large Amounts) → Carbohydrates | Proteins | Fats
➝ Micronutrients (Small Amounts) → Vitamins | Minerals
➝ Water & Fiber


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2. Macronutrients

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Carbohydrates → Energy Source
➝ Types: Simple (Glucose), Double (Sucrose), Complex (Starch, Glycogen)
➝ Sources: Bread, Rice, Potatoes, Teff
➝ Key Tests:

Iodine Test → Blue-Black (Starch)

Benedict’s Test → Orange-Red (Simple Sugars)


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Proteins → Growth & Tissue Repair
➝ Structure: Amino Acids → Peptide Bonds → Proteins
➝ Sources: Meat, Fish, Dairy, Legumes
➝ Deficiency:

Marasmus → Severe Deficiency

Kwashiorkor → Protein Deficiency with Normal Calories
➝ Key Test: Biuret Test → Purple Color (Protein Present)


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Fats & Oils (Lipids) → Energy Storage & Hormones
➝ Types: Saturated (Butter) | Unsaturated (Olive Oil)
➝ Health Risks: High Saturated Fats → Cholesterol → Heart Disease
➝ Key Tests:

Grease Spot Test → Translucent Mark (Lipids)

Ethanol Test → Cloudy White Layer (Lipids)



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3. Micronutrients

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Minerals
➝ Calcium (Bones & Teeth) → Deficiency: Rickets
➝ Iron (Hemoglobin Production) → Deficiency: Anemia
➝ Sodium (Nerve Function & Fluid Balance) → Excess: High Blood Pressure
➝ Sources: Dairy, Leafy Greens, Red Meat, Salt

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Vitamins
➝ Vitamin A (Vision & Immunity) → Deficiency: Night Blindness (Carrots, Fish Liver Oil)
➝ Vitamin B1 (Metabolism) → Deficiency: Beri-Beri (Cereals, Yeast)
➝ Vitamin C (Tissue Formation) → Deficiency: Scurvy (Citrus Fruits)
➝ Vitamin D (Calcium Absorption) → Deficiency: Rickets (Sunlight, Fish Liver Oil)
➝ Key Test: DCPIP Test → Colorless (Vitamin C Present)


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4. Water & Fiber

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Water
➝ Functions: Solvent, Transport, Temperature Regulation, Waste Removal
➝ Deficiency Effects: Dehydration → Organ Failure

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Fiber
➝ Function: Aids Digestion & Prevents Constipation
➝ Sources: Vegetables, Whole Grains, Fruits


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5. Balanced Diet & Malnutrition

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Balanced Diet → Correct Proportions of Nutrients
➝ Energy Needs Depend On: Age | Gender | Activity Level | Pregnancy

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Malnutrition
➝ Undernutrition → Stunted Growth, Weak Immunity
➝ Overnutrition (Obesity) → Risk of Heart Disease & Diabetes
➝ Key Data: BMI Calculation

BMI = \frac{\text{Weight (kg)}}{\text{Height (m)}^2}

Above 30 → Obese



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6. Laboratory Tests for Nutrients

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| Nutrient | Test Used | Positive Result | |-----------|----------------|----------------| | Starch | Iodine Test | Blue-Black | | Reducing Sugars | Benedict’s Test | Orange-Red (After Heating) | | Proteins | Biuret Test | Purple/Mauve | | Lipids | Ethanol Test | Cloudy White Layer | | Vitamin C | DCPIP Test | Colorless |


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7. Evaluating Local Diets

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Example Ethiopian Balanced Diet
✅ Breakfast → Bread, Chickpeas, Tea/Milk
✅ Lunch → Kei Wot, Injera, Orange/Banana
✅ Dinner → Shiro Wot, Injera, Green Pepper

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Challenges & Solutions
❌ Food Shortages → Malnutrition ✅ Increase Protein Intake
❌ High Processed Food Consumption → Obesity ✅ More Fruits & Vegetables
❌ Saturated Fats → Heart Disease ✅ Reduce Processed/Fried Foods


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Final Summary

✅ Macronutrients (Carbs, Proteins, Fats) → Provide Energy & Growth
✅ Micronutrients (Vitamins, Minerals) → Support Metabolism & Immunity
✅ Water & Fiber → Essential for Digestion & Cellular Function
✅ Balanced Diet → Prevents Malnutrition (Undernutrition & Overnutrition)
✅ Nutrient Tests → Identify Key Food Components for a Healthy Diet

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