Chapter 1 Flashcards
Define nutrition
A science that studies all the interactions that occur between living organisms and food
Food provides nutrients and energy, which are needed to keep us alive and healthy, to support growth, and to allow reproduction
Define nutrients
Chemical substances in foods that provide energy and structure and help regulate body processes
Define processed foods
Foods that have been specially treated or changed from their natural state. Usually high in saturated fat, sugar, and/or salt
Why is there such a high proportion of children and adults in Canada who are overweight or obese?
Due to the overconsumption of energy (calories)
Define chronic disease
Non-communicable disease that develops slowly over a lifetime and needs continuing medical attention to manage and control such as heart disease or obesity
What is the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)?
An annual survey conducted by government agencies that investigates various aspects of health and well-being in Canada
What is the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS)?
A survey conducted every 2 years and includes useful food & nutrition data. It differs from CCHS as it includes lab measurements as well as questionnaires
Define essential nutrients
Nutrients that must be provided in the diet because the body either cannot make them or cannot make them in sufficient quantities to satisfy its needs
Define fortified foods
Foods to which one or more nutrients have been added, typically to replace nutrient losses during processing or to prevent known inadequacies in the Canadian diet
Define natural health products
A category of products regulated by Health Canada that includes vitamin and mineral supplements, amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics, herbal remedies, and homeopathic and other traditional medicines
Why is Lecithin (substance needed for nerve function) not considered an essential nutrient?
Because it can be manufactured in the body in adequate amounts
Define phytochemicals
Substances found in plant foods that are not essential nutrients but may have health-promoting properties
Define zoochemicals
Substances found in animal foods that are not essential nutrients but may have health-promoting properties
What are the 6 classes of nutrients?
Carbs, lipids, proteins, water, vitamins, minerals
How can the classes be grouped?
- By whether they provide energy in the body
- By how much is needed in the diet
- By their chemical structure
Define energy-yielding nutrients
Constitute the major portion of most foods and are required in relatively large amounts by the body
What are the energy-yielding nutrients?
Carbs, lipids, and proteins
Define macronutrients
Nutrients needed by the body in large amounts (expressed as kg or g)
Define micronutrients
Nutrients needed in smaller amounts (expressed as mg or μg)
What is an organic vs an inorganic molecule?
Organic molecules contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.
Which nutrients are organic?
Carbs, proteins, lipids, and vitamins
Which nutrients are inorganic?
Minerals and water
How are energy-yielding nutrients measured?
In kilocalories (kcalories/kcals) or kilojoules (kjoules/kJs)
What are starches?
More complex carbs made of many sugars linked together
