Biology Homework: Analyzing Macronutrients and Food Comparisons

This Biology assignment explores the roles of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and their impact on human health. The assignment begins by defining and describing the functions of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Next, the assignment focuses on the nutritional content of a chosen vegetable, canned frozen peas, comparing its macronutrient profile to recommended daily intakes. Finally, it compares the nutritional content of a serving of peas to a serving of a beef hamburger, highlighting the differences in calorie count, protein, and fat content, and emphasizing the health benefits of the chosen vegetable over the hamburger. The assignment utilizes references to support its claims and provides a comprehensive overview of the topic.

Running head: BIOLOGY
BIOLOGY ASSIGNMENT
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

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Question 1:
Carbohydrates can be defined as aggregate of sugar or starch molecules that provide
quick energy to meet the physiological functions of the human body. Carbohydrates are
primarily composed of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms and are classified on the basis of
starch molecule content into monosaccharide, disaccharide and polysaccharide (Baron et
al.,2013). Proteins can be defined as the primary building blocks of the body and are
comprised of long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a wide range of bodily
functions such as repair of worn out tissues, eliciting a response to external stimulus and
transportation of molecules from one position to another (Solon-Biet et al., 2015). Fats form a
part of the essential macronutrient that are vital for the maintenance of normal body
functioning. Unsaturated fats in a proportionate amount is vital for the normal regulation of
the metabolic processes, however it should be noted that overconsumption of saturated fats
lead to gain of body weight and might lead to health complications in future.
Question 2:
The vegetable that has been chosen by me is canned frozen peas. It is the most
common and the most favourite vegetable of the common people. One serving of 134 grams
of pea provide around 24% of protein, 72% of carbohydrate and 0% of fat. This can be
compared to 12 grams of carbohydrate, 4 grams of protein and 0 grams of fat nutritional
value per serving. This property makes the vegetable the most widely wanted vegetable,
however it is crucial to note that the human body requires a minimum fat level of about 44 to
78 grams on a regular basis to stay healthy and fit (Health.nsw.gov.au, 2018).
Question 3:
What stands out to me as a striking difference between one serving of a beef
hamburger and a veggie is the nutritional content. While one serving of burger comprises of
an approximate value of about 150 calories. The net protein content in the hamburger is

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roughly estimated to be 25 grams and the total fat content is estimated to be 4.5 grams
(Health.nsw.gov.au, 2018). Hence, it can be said that one serving of spinach is nutritious and
at the same time healthier in calorie content and also contains added essential vitamin and
mineral constituents than one serving of unhealthy burger that is overloaded with fat
constituents.

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References:
Baron, K. G., Reid, K. J., Van Horn, L., & Zee, P. C. (2013). Contribution of evening
macronutrient intake to total caloric intake and body mass index. Appetite, 60, 246-
251.
Eat This Much, I. (2018). Eat This Much, your personal diet assistant. Retrieved from
https://www.eatthismuch.com/food/view/100-pure-beef-burgers,101194/
Ninfali, P., & Angelino, D. (2013). Nutritional and functional potential of Beta vulgaris cicla
and rubra. Fitoterapia, 89, 188-199.
Solon-Biet, S. M., Mitchell, S. J., de Cabo, R., Raubenheimer, D., Le Couteur, D. G., &
Simpson, S. (2015). Macronutrients and caloric intake in health and longevity.
Journal of Endocrinology, JOE-15.