FOOD AND ENERGY
What is energy?
Energy is an amazing thing. You can't see it, touch it, smell it or hear it, yet we use it everyday. Anything that moves or makes things uses energy.
This energy comes from different places. The source of energy for a car is petrol, and for a computer it's electricity. The source of energy for our bodies is food and drink.
When you take in food and drink, it gives your body the energy it needs for all the important basic processes of life – like breathing or growing. But it also gives us energy for the activities we do – like walking, running or just talking. You are using energy all the time and, the more active you are, the more energy you use.
Why does the body need energy?
Whether you're busy and rushing around, or just taking it easy and resting, your body is using energy. It needs energy from food and drink to work properly and stay healthy.
- Your body uses energy even when you're not moving.
- Your body uses energy even when you're asleep or resting.
- It needs enough food to keep your body at the right temperature.
- Energy is needed to pump blood around the body.
- Your body uses more energy when you are active, and less if you are resting.
- Food contains nutrients which produce energy and help to grow and repair the body.
- When you exercise or play games, the heart, muscles and lungs have to work harder. Next time you're running or walking, think about what happens to your heart rate, your breathing and your body temperature.
How much energy does the body need?
The amount of energy we need is different for everyone. It depends on our age, gender, size, health and how active we are. Some people live busy, active lives. They walk to school or work; they play games in their spare time and are rarely still except when they sleep. These people use a lot of energy so they need to eat more food to give them that energy.
Other people are less active. They prefer to read books or watch TV and hang out with their friends, chatting or listening to music. These people need less food because they use up less energy.
