Essential Nutrients for wellness

Question 1

How mant nutrients are essential for daily consumption?

Answer 1

There are three main nutrients that are essential for daily consumption. The type of nutrient within each category is important.

Question 2

Essential Nutrient 1: Carbohydrates; What are carbohydrates

Answer 2

Carbohydrates (often referred to as carbs), nutrients made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen – the supplier of energy for your body’s functions. Carbs are: the main energy source for the body.

Question 3

What is the main source of enegry for the body?

Answer 3

Carbs

Question 4

There are two general types of carbohydrates – simple and complex carbohydrates. What are simple carbohydrates?

Answer 4

Simple Carbohydrates – also known as sugar are quickly broken down by the body. Simple carbs include:
Natural sugars – fruits, vegetables, milk
Manufactured sugars – cookies, candies, soft drinks

Question 5

There are two general types of carbohydrates – simple and complex carbohydrates. What are complex carbohydrates?

Answer 5

Complex Carbohydrates – are sugars that are linked together, also known as starches. They are slowly broken down to move into the bloodstream. Complex carbs include:
Grains, potatoes, rice, oats, corn

Question 6

What is fiber?

Answer 6

Fiber – a type of complex carbohydrate that is found in plants, while fiber does not provide the necessary energy to go about your day, it does assist in keeping your digestive system healthy.

Question 7

How much of a persons daily calorie intake should come from carbs?

Answer 7

Nutritionists recommend that 45 to 65 percent of a person’s daily calorie intake come from carbohydrates.

Question 8

why should one eat complex carbs rather than simple carbs?

Answer 8

It is better to eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates rather than simple carbs. One reason is that while simple carbs give quick bursts of energy, complex carbs provide better long-term, sustained energy.

Question 9

Essential Nutrient 2: Fats; what are fats?

Answer 9

The main purposes of fats are to supply your body with energy, form your cells, maintain body temperature, and protect your nerves.

Question 10

What is unsaturated fat?

Answer 10

Unsaturated Fat, a fat that has at least one unsaturated bond in a place where hydrogen can be added to a molecule. Simply stated: a liquid fat, for example vegetable oil and peanuts

Question 11

what is a saturated fat?

Answer 11

Saturated Fat, fats that have all the hydrogen the carbon atoms can hold. Simply stated: a solid fat, for example the thick cream that is found on the top of milk

Question 12

What is Trans Fat?

Answer 12

Trans Fat, manufactured fats that are created by adding hydrogen to the fat molecules in vegetable oils. Simply stated: artificial fat designed to keep food fresher longer, for example the grease the is noticed on your fingers after eating a bag of potato chips

Question 13

What is cholestrol?

Answer 13

Cholesterol, a waxy, fat like substance that is found only in animal products. Simply stated: a waxy fat, for example that white grease that is left in the bottom of the pan after frying bacon

Question 14

Does cholestrol have to be consumed?

Answer 14

Cholesterol is not something that needs to be consumed; your liver already provides this nutrient naturally to the body.

Question 15

How can high cholestrol affect health?

Answer 15

The more cholesterol a person consumes, the more their arteries begin to be filled with the waxy substance that is found in the bottom of the pan after cooking bacon. The buildup of cholesterol in your arteries causes a serious health risk and can lead to a heart attack because the blood cannot flow where it needs to because it is blocked by cholesterol.

Question 16

Who much of my calories should come from fats?

Answer 16

Nutritionists recommend that 20 to 35 percent of your calories come from fat, primarily unsaturated fats.

Question 17

Essential Nutrient 3: Proteins; what is protein?

Answer 17

nutrients that contain nitrogen as well as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Question 18

What do proteins do for the body?

Answer 18

Proteins are referenced as the main building blocks for the body. Their most important function is their role in the growth and repair of body tissues.

Question 19

Foods high in protein include:

Answer 19

• meats
• eggs
• poultry
• dairy products

Question 20

What are amino acids?

Answer 20

Proteins also come in a smaller form known as amino acids, smaller links of proteins that are bound together when consumed and then broken apart for the protein to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Question 21

How much calories should come from protein?

Answer 21

Nutritionists recommend that 10 to 35 percent of your calories come from protein. If consuming a vegetarian diet, your essential nutrient is protein that comes from plants, rice, and beans.

Question 22

Additional Essential Nutrients include Vitamins, what are vitamins?

Answer 22

nutrients made by living things that are only required in small amounts to assist with many chemical reactions in the body

Question 23

Additional Essential Nutrients include minerals , what are minerals?

Answer 23

nutrients that occur naturally within the growth of food products

Question 24

Additional Essential Nutrients include water, what is water?

Answer 24

Water – essential for all life processes, including the production of energy. Nearly all of the body’s chemical reactions, including those that produce energy and build new tissues, take place in a water solution