Nutrients
Objective:
Learners understand the physiological significance of selected nutrients and develop a critical perspective on social media marketing of dietary supplements.
Content and methods:
The worksheet introduces the topic using a modern “influencer” scenario and uses fictional tweets to stimulate discussion about the credibility of health claims. It then contains detailed information about the nutrients. The methodological approaches include critical thinking, reading comprehension using multiple-choice questions, a matching task, and an analysis of a text discussing the necessity and risks of dietary supplements.
Competencies:
Identify specific nutrients and describe their essential functions in the human body.
Evaluate the necessity of dietary supplements compared to a balanced, varied diet.
Critical media literacy: Analyzing health-related content on social media and recognizing advertising tactics.
Connecting nutritional theory with practical dietary choices.
Target audience and level:
Grade 7 and above
65 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
Grade 7 and above
Subjects
Nutrients
Read the following tweets from fitness and health influencer "healthy.eva".
Healthy Eva @Healthy.Eva
Feeling tired after school? Boost your energy with @VitaBoost supplements! 🏃♀️💥 Stay active and ace those exams! #HealthyEva #VitaBoost #StayEnergized
Healthy Eva @Healthy.Eva
Want glowing skin and strong nails? Try @VitaBoost! It’s like magic in a bottle! 🌟✨ #BeautyGoals #HealthyEva #VitaBoost
Healthy Eva @Healthy.Eva
Struggling to focus in class? @VitaBoost vitamins are here to save the day! 🧠💡 Get sharp, stay smart! #StudyHacks #HealthyEva #VitaBoost
Healthy Eva @Healthy.Eva
Say goodbye to post-practice soreness with @VitaBoost! Recover faster and get back to doing what you love! 🏀💪 #NoPainNoGain #HealthyEva #VitaBoost
Healthy Eva @Healthy.Eva
Need a little pick-me-up? @VitaBoost is your new best friend! Perfect for busy teens who want to stay healthy and active! 🌈💖 #TeenLife #HealthyEva #VitaBoost
📝 What´s your impression of the tweets? Would you try the promoted products?
The Power of Vitamins
Vitamins are like tiny helpers that keep our bodies healthy and strong. They are special nutrients we need to grow, stay strong, and fight off sickness. You can find vitamins in many foods like fruits, vegetables, and even in some meats and dairy products.
Why Are Vitamins Important?
Each vitamin has a special job to do in our bodies. Here are a few important ones:
- Vitamin A: This vitamin is good for your eyes. It helps you see better, especially in the dark. You can find it in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
- Vitamin B: There are different types of Vitamin B. They help your body make energy from the food you eat. You can get them from foods like fish, chicken, eggs, and beans.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin helps your body heal when you get a cut or bruise. It also helps your body fight off colds. Oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers are full of Vitamin C.
- Vitamin D: Known as the "sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D helps your bones stay strong. Your skin makes Vitamin D when you are in the sunlight. You can also get it from milk, fish, and eggs.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is good for your skin and helps protect your cells from damage. You can find it in nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.
- Vitamin K: Vitamin K helps your blood clot so you don’t bleed too much when you get hurt. It is in green vegetables like broccoli and kale.
How to Get Enough Vitamins
To get enough vitamins, eat a variety of foods every day. Make sure to include lots of colorful fruits and vegetables in your meals. Sometimes, doctors might suggest taking a vitamin pill if you’re not getting enough from food.
Remember, vitamins are your friends. They help keep you healthy and full of energy. So, the next time you eat a fruit or vegetable, think about all the good things it is doing for your body!
📝Select the correct answer from the options provided.
📝 Match the items in one column to the corresponding items in another column.
As you can see, these nutrients are extremely important for a healthy body.
But is it worth taking supplements for optimal nutrition? Read the following text to find out.
Should You Take Vitamin Supplements?
Taking vitamins as supplements can be helpful, but they aren't always necessary. Our bodies need vitamins to stay healthy, but we usually get enough from the foods we eat. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins often gives us the vitamins we need. However, some people might not get enough vitamins from their meals. This could be because they have special diets, allergies, or health issues. In these cases, doctors might suggest taking vitamin pills to help.
Vitamin supplements can be useful if you're not getting certain vitamins from your food. For example, people who don't get much sunlight might need Vitamin D supplements. Vegetarians might need Vitamin B12 since it's mostly found in meat. But it's important not to take too many supplements. Having too much of some vitamins can be harmful. Always talk to a doctor before starting any supplements.
In conclusion, while vitamin supplements can be a helpful addition for some people, they aren't a replacement for a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet with lots of different foods is the best way to get all the vitamins your body needs. Keep eating those colorful fruits and veggies, and you'll likely have all the vitamins you need!