Biology – Food

• Food is needed for energy, growth, repair and protection

against disease.
• The five major nutrients are: carbohydrates, fats, proteins,
vitamins and minerals.
• A balanced diet has six constituents: carbohydrates, fats,
proteins, vitamins, minerals and water.
• A balanced diet is one which contains all the right amounts of
all the nutrients needed to stay healthy.
• Starch is tested for by adding iodine solution to the food
sample. If starch is present, the sample turns blue-black in
colour.
• Glucose is tested for by adding benedict’s solution, and
heating. It turns a brick red colour.
• Protein is tester for by adding copper sulphate to protein with
sodium hydroxide added. It turns a violet colour.
• Fats are tested for by rubbing them on brown paper. A
translucent spot appears.