THE FACTS ABOUT FOOD NUTRITION!
IT’S ON THE LABEL!
Our bodies need energy to keep us going. Where do we get that energy? From food! Have you thought about the
connection between what we eat and the energy it provides? What’s in a steak? What’s in broccoli? Why are some
foods more nutritious than others? It depends on what’s inside!
Have you heard of the term “GMO” or seen it
on a label or maybe even read about them?
Let’s explore the basics and facts about GMOs.
THE WHAT!
GMOs are Genetically Modied Organisms. These are crops developed with
genetic engineering, which is also known as biotechnology. Plant breeders
take a desirable trait (for example: disease resistance in corn) and transfer
it from one plant to another to improve the plant’s characterisitcs.
AVAILABILITY
There are 10 GMO crops available today: alfalfa, apples,
canola, corn (eld and sweet), cotton, papaya, potatoes,
soybeans, squash, and sugar beets.
BENEFITS
GMO crops provide benets to plants which, in turn, benet
us as consumers! Nebraska ranks 3rd in the U.S. in corn
production. It is important to our state. The majority of corn
planted in Nebraska is GMO corn. Let’s look at the benets:
• Insect or Disease resistance—reduces need for farmers to
apply chemicals and equals healthier corn plants!
• Drought tolerance—plants have better ways to keep and
use moisture. It helps them endure drought conditions
without need for irrigation.
• Improved manufacturing processes–GMO corn more
efciently produces biofuels because it is easier to break
down cellulose and starch in the corn and reduces the
environmental impact, too!
CARE
Consumers, such as you, your family, and friends care about
the safety of the food they eat. There is an overwhelming
agreement of scientic experts that have done research
and determined GMOs are safe to eat! All the GMO corn in
Nebraska that is processed and is in your grocery store is
not only delicious, but also full of nutrition and safe for your
family to serve and eat.
THE ABC’s OF GMOs:
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
Carbohydrates We get energy from carbohydrates, also called “carbs”. Carbs are
found in fruits, vegetables, bread and pasta, and dairy products. Our body uses
carbs to create glucose which is a fuel that gives us energy!
List THREE specic foods that have carbs:
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
Protein is in foods like meat, tofu, beans, and milk. It helps keep our bodies strong!
It builds, maintains, and replaces tissues in our bodies like muscles and organs.
What are TWO of your favorite foods high in protein?
____________________ ____________________
Fats play a role in a healthy, balanced diet. It is important to eat healthy fats, like
the ones in nuts, olive oil, and sh. Fats should be eaten in moderation.
Vitamins play different roles in helping you stay healthy. Our bodies make some
naturally. Others are found in food we eat. For example, Vitamin C helps our
immune system work, which helps prevent illness. Oranges are high in Vitamin C.
What vitamins are in your favorite foods? ____________________________________
Minerals are something our bodies cannot make, which means we need to eat
them! Milk is a good source of calcium, a mineral that is needed to keep our
bones healthy and strong.
What’s in our sandwich?
Specically, what do we know about the
slice of cheese we put with our sandwich?
Most cheese is made from milk from a dairy
cow. All cheese and other food products
have a food label. Food labels tell us the key
nutritional information we need to know.
Check out this label to answer the following questions.
1. A typical sandwich might have how many servings of cheese?
2. If you ate two servings, how many calories would you consume?
3. You consumed 12 grams of fat. How many slices of cheese
did you eat?
4. After studying the cheese label, is cheese a healthy item to
eat? Why or why not?
MYTHS & FACTS
A MYTH is a widely accepted, but
false belief or idea. Basically, the
opposite of a FACT, which is proven
to be true. There are lots of myths
about GMOs. Your task is to read the
statement, decide if it is a MYTH or
FACT, and circle your answer. Check
with your teacher for the answers and
information on why it is a myth or fact!
There are dozens of GMO crops,
including strawberries, bananas, and
wheat. There is even GMO water and
GMO salt!
MYTH or FACT
GMOs contribute to reducing the cost
of food.
MYTH or FACT
If livestock eat GMO grain, there are
GMOs in meat, milk, and eggs.
MYTH or FACT
GMOs allow farmers to preserve land
and do more with less resources to
produce the food we eat.
MYTH or FACT
THE
OF GMOs!
Nutrition
Facts
Amount/serving
Total Fat 4g
Cholest 15mg
Sodium 240mg
Total Carb 2g
Protein 4g
6% 1%
0%Sat Fat 2.5g
Serv Size 1 slice(21g)
Servings 16
Calories 60
*Percent Daily Values
(DV) are based on a
2,000 calorie diet.
Fat Cal 35
Dietary Fiber 0g12%
5%
10%
Trans Fat 0g
Vitamin A 2%
•
•
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 35% Iron 2%
Vitamin D 10%
Sugars 0g
Amount/serving% DV* % DV*
6 7
