Chemical composition of the foods we eat

Our bodies break down food through the digestive process. Let’s investigate the chemical composition of the foods we eat.  The USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory has posted a resource through which we can investigate the chemical composition of foods.

Assignment:  (1) Choose a food, (2) analyze the nutritional components that food using the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory (see instructions below), and (3) in your own words answer the following questions:

What was the food and portion size you chose?
Describe its composition in terms of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
Is it an important source of vitamins and minerals?
How many calories are in your food item?
Are there other important nutritional components of this food item?
Would you recommend this food item as part of a healthy diet? Why or why not?

Instructions for USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory:

Go to the USDA Lab Link at http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

Type in a keyword, then select a food group using the drop down arrow, then click submit. This pulls up a menu with lots of choices.

Choose one food choice, then click submit.

Next choose a portion size, then click submit.  This will bring up the nutritional information.