Chapter 14: Nutrition Foundations Flashcards
Macronutrients
A type of food necessary in large quantities in the diet to support function and energy production, i.e. carbohydrate, protein, and fat.
Micronutrients
Substances required in small quantities in the diet for optimal body functioning; vitamins and minerals.
Antioxidants
Substances that protect the body from free radicals and the cellular damage they cause.
Catabolism
The breaking down in the body of complex molecules into more simple molecules.
Anabolism
The building of complex molecules in the body from more simple, smaller molecules.
Amino Acids
Simple organic compounds known as the building blocks of proteins.
Glucose
A simple sugar the body uses for energy production on the cellular level.
Glycogen
The stored form of glucose found in the liver and muscles.
Monosaccharides
Any of the class of sugars that cannot be hydrolyzed to give a simple sugar.
Disaccharides
Any of a class of sugars with molecules that contain two monosaccharide residues.
Processed Foods
Foods that have been frozen, packaged, enhanced with vitamins or minerals (fortified), previously cooked, or canned to preserve them for consumption.
Glycemic Index
A system that ranks foods on a scale from 1 to 100 based on their effect on blood sugar levels.
Low GI score
1 to 55
Medium GI score
56 to 69
High GI score
70 and higher
Insulin
A hormone produced in the pancreas to regulate blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia
The condition of lower-than-normal blood glucose.
Obesity
An abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat that may cause additional health risks.
Dibetes
A condition characterized by an elevated level of glucose in the blood.
US Department of Agriculture
A US federal department that manages programs for food, nutrition, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development.
Vitamins
Organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
Minerals
Elements in food that the body needs to develop and function.
Unprocessed Foods
Fresh or raw foods that are the natural, edible parts of an animal or plant.
Fiber
A type of carbohydrate derived from plant-based foods that the body is unable to break down.