AOS 2 Flashcards
Macronutrients
Nutrients that are required in large amounts by the body. They provide energy and also help repair bodily tissues. E.G. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals needed by the body in very small amounts. However, their impact on a body’s health are critical and deficiency in any of them can cause severe and even life-threatening conditions. E.G. Calcium, magnesium and vitamins.
Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are broken down quickly by the body to be used as energy. Simple carbohydrates are found naturally in foods such as fruits, milk, and milk products. They are also found in processed and refined sugars such as candy, table sugar, syrups, and soft drinks.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbs pack in more nutrients than simple carbs. They’re higher in fiber and digest more slowly. This also makes them more filling, which means they’re a good option for weight control. They’re also ideal for people with type 2 diabetes because they help manage blood sugar spikes after meals.
Fibre
Is not digested, however, it is essential in aiding the process of digestion by adding bulk and solidity to feces. Therefore, plays a key role in healthy bowels.
Fats
Fats are important in the diet as energy sources and as sources of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, which tend to associate with fats. They also contribute satiety, flavor, and palatability to the diet
Types of Fats
Saturated
- red meat
- eggs
dairy products
–> milk
–> cream
–> butter
–> cheese
Types of Fats
Polyunsaturated
- margarine and vegetable oils
- oily fish
–> sardines
–> nuts
–> seeds.
Types of Fats
Monounsaturated
- avocados.
- nuts
–> macadamias
–> almonds, - oils
–> olive oil
–> canola oil
Protein
Protein is an important part of a healthy diet. Proteins are made up of chemical ‘building blocks’ called amino acids. Your body uses amino acids to build and repair muscles and bones and to make hormones and enzymes. They can also be used as an energy source. Food sources
- red meats
- fish
- eggs
- legumes
–> beans
–> lentils.
Water
The water in the bloodstream is the primary transportation system for the distribution of essential nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. In addition, water is essential to a wide array of body processes, including the chemical reaction of cell respiration that results in energy production
sources of water
high water content, including many fruits and vegetables
Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE)
A federal Government initiative that aims to educate consumers by providing a visual example of which foods we should consume more and less of. The visual depicts a plate broken up into what we could consider fractions.
PROS & CONS
Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE)
PROS
+ Visual and easy to understand regardless of literacy levels
+ Clearly displays portions of which foods we should be consuming most
Focuses on food groups rather than nutrients, again making it easier to understand
+ Educators can use the guide to assist in educating youth on healthy food choices
CONS
- Some foods can be difficult to classify into one section – for example, foods that combine several ingredients, like a homemade pizza or tacos
- It may be difficult for youth to determine the best choices within a category.
Health Star Rating System
The Health star rating system is a joint state and federal government campaign that aims to improve healthy food choices among consumers. The system is aimed to be simple in that the more stars the healthier the food.
Healthy Eating Pyramid
The Healthy Eating Pyramid is a health promotion model founded by Nutrition Australia, a non government, non for profit organisation
PROS & CONS
Health Star Rating System
+ Useful in comparing foods in the same category
+ Can also encourage manufacturers to produce healthier products to earn more stars
+ Aims to allow consumers to choose healthier foods based on how healthy they are
CONS
- Only comparable with food in the same category e.g dairy and other dairy products (3 stars for grains is not the same as 3 stars for confectionary
- No information was provided on serving sizes or intake
- Not mandatory for companies to use, therefore if an item is 0.5 stars a company is less likely to show the rating system on their product
PROS & CONS
Healthy Eating Pyramid
PROS
+ Visually easy to understand for all literacy levels
+ Easy to determine which food groups we should be prioritising
CONS
- Difficult to determine the best choices within each category
- Doesn’t include serving sizes and/or portions
- Having fruit as part of the vegetable section may be confusing despite being separated
High GI Foods
High GI foods are foods that cause a rapid rise in blood glucose level followed by a dip due to the rate of digestion.
Low GI Foods
Low GI foods are those that are digested slowly and therefore cause a slow rise in blood glucose levels and longer lasting energy.