Division of Nutrition Assistance

The Tree of Life

• Protein - energy, builds, repairs, regulates
• Carbohydrates - energy and spares protein
• Fats - energy, cushions, insulates
• Vitamins - regulates
• Minerals - regulates
• Water - body medium, controls temperature, transports

• Make the silhouette of a large tree on dark green paper with a brown tree trunk and brown branches.
• Choose bright yellow paper for the background.
• Using a word processing program, print out sheets that describe each nutrient’s functions. The sheets of paper can be cut in different shapes for interest.
• Purchase a leaf border or make a border using paper in assorted fall colors to cut out differently shaped leaves.
• Use black lettering for the title at the top of the board and for the subtitle placed at the base of the trunk of the tree.

• Use the bulletin board to identify the words discussed. Emphasize that carbohydrates, proteins, and fats all provide energy. Vitamins and minerals are needed to use energy and to regulate the body processes. Water is the medium in which all bodily reactions occur. Key concepts include the following:
• Nutrients are part of the foods we eat.
• Our bodies use the nutrients in food for various bodily functions.
• Foods are organized into the Food Guide Pyramid Groups based on the nutrients they contain.

• Carbohydrate
  Point to the word "carbohydrates" on the board and ask students to pronounce the word. Relate to the class the following:
  • Carbohydrate is a nutrient found in all foods in the Grain Group. Carbohydrates give you energy for work and play. The presence of carbohydrates in the diet spares protein from being used for energy and allows protein to be used for the purposes of building, repairing, and regulating the body.
  • What are some foods in the Grain Group that are good sources of carbohydrate?
• Fats
  Fat is used to cushion organs, to insulate against heat, and to store energy. Fat in the diet provides energy and fat soluble vitamins.
• Protein
  Point to the word "protein" on the bulletin board and have students pronounce the word. Tell students the following:
  • Foods in the Meat Group contain protein. Protein provides energy, builds muscles, builds and repairs cells, and regulates bodily functions.
  • Most foods in the Meat Group come from animals. Eggs are in the Meat Group.
  • Some foods in the Meat Group – such as peanut butter, dried beans, and nuts – come from plants. These foods are in the Meat Group because they are good sources of protein.
• Minerals
  Point to the word "minerals" on the board and have students pronounce the word. Minerals are basic chemical elements that are used in many different ways in the body. Calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorous, fluoride, and potassium are minerals.
  • Calcium is found in foods and beverages in the Milk Group. Calcium builds strong bones and teeth. Strong bones are important to keep your body sturdy, so you can move and be active. Strong teeth help you talk and eat.
• Vitamins
  Point to the word “vitamins” on the board. Ask a student to pronounce the word. Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K are vitamins. B-complex vitamins – such as thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin – are vitamins, too. There are many different vitamins that help your body in many ways.
  • Vitamin C helps your cuts heal.
  • What are some foods that are good sources of vitamin C?
• Water
  • Just as trees need water, our bodies need water. Water is not shown on the Food Guide Pyramid, but it is important. Water accounts for approximately two-thirds of body composition. Water helps to regulate body temperature by perspiration, dissolve and digest food and eliminate waste, and lubricate parts of the body, such as joints. We can live only a few days without water. "Dehydration" occurs when there is a lack of water to cool and regulate the body, resulting in heat stroke and even death. Thirst is not a good indicator of the need for water. We should drink water before we think that we are thirsty.
  • Although water is the best source for fluid replacement, juices, milk, soups, and gelatins also provide fluids. Sodas contain calories and no other nutrients.
  • Water, not diet drinks, is the best “diet” drink. Drink about six or more cups of fluids per day. Students, who play outside, especially during hot weather, need to drink water often.
  • Fluoride is a mineral added to the water supply in many towns to help build strong bones and teeth.

• Students can keep a diary of the fluids they ingest for one day. Record all fluids and the amounts. What was their main source of water?
• Teachers can schedule planned water breaks before and after recess, physical education class, etc.