Page 24 - Biology Form Two

Biology for Secondary Schools

children. Vitamin C helps children to example, they can get proteins from
build their immunity, and it functions eggs or liver instead of meat.
as an antioxidant. An antioxidant is a
substance that removes toxins from Sedentary workers
the body. Children also require enough These are individuals who stay in one
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
carbohydrates and lipids because they place for a long time while performing
are active. their daily occupational activities.
They include office secretaries, tailors,
The elderly clerks, and receptionists. Sedentary
Elderly people require a balanced diet workers are encouraged to balance their
with adequate amounts of food rich in daily diets with physical exercise. Due
vitamins, minerals, and roughage to to their lifestyle and occupation, obesity
maintain their health. They also need is increasingly becoming common

food rich in minerals such as iron, zinc, among them. They are also at greater
and calcium. Iron is necessary because risk of developing non-communicable
it helps to make red blood cells, which diseases such as diabetes and disorders
carry oxygen around the body. Zinc is of the muscles and skeleton. Therefore,

required for a healthy immune system it is recommended that they limit their
and for regulating the healing of intake of foods rich in carbohydrates
wounds. Old age comes with the loss and lipids.
of calcium from bones, leading to soft The sick

and weak bones that can break easily. Sick people require plenty of nutrients
The elderly, therefore, require adequate to help recover their health. Proper
amounts of calcium to strengthen nutrition helps to keep their immune
their bones. They also need vitamin system strong and enables the body to

D to improve their mental health and fight against infections and diseases. It
overcome depression. also helps the body to withstand strong

They often have problems of chewing medication. In addition, a proper diet
tough foods because of weakened teeth. and exercise help to combat symptoms

Likewise, due to decreased production of such as fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea,
saliva, they normally have swallowing and high blood sugar. Excess caffeine
problems. It is thus important to ensure products, sugary foods, fried foods,
the elderly get foods that are nutritious spicy foods, and alcohol should be
and easy to chew and swallow. For avoided because they are harmful to a

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