Human Nutrition Flashcards
What is a balanced diet and why is it important?
A balanced diet is receiving nutrients in the correct quantities, these include all the essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and proteins. A balanced diet is needed for growth and repair.
Why does a balanced diet vary between people?
Balanced diet varies between people because the amount of nutrients needed is different for people of different ages and genders. The amount of nutrients needed varies depending on the amount of physical activity undertaken by an individual.
Why does a pregnant woman need more nutrients than a woman who’s not pregnant?
Pregnant women need more nutrients than women who aren’t pregnant as they must be able to feed themselves as well as their unborn child.
What foods contain carbohydrates and why is it important?
Carbohydrates are found in foods such as rice. pasta and potatoes; carbohydrates are used as a source of energy and used in respiration in cells.
What foods contain proteins?
Proteins are found in meat, fish and eggs.
Why are proteins important for the human body?
Proteins are broken down into amino acids in digestion and absorbed in the blood and then used in cells to produce new protein by protein synthesis, where they are used as enzymes in reactions and for structure. They can be used as hormones and carrying other molecules for example hemoglobin which carries oxygen into the blood.
Where is vitamin C found in foods and why are they important for the human body?
Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and some vegetables. They are used in the synthesis of proteins which helps make our skin, ligaments and blood vessels. Vitamin C is also used to repair tissues.
Which foods contain Vitamin D and why are they important for the body?
Vitamin D is found in dairy products, eggs and fish oil. It also helps the uptake of calcium during digestion and also is a factor in maintaining healthy bones.
What does a vitamin D deficiency lead to ?
A vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, a condition that causes the weakening and softening of bones as well as deformities. It can also stunt growth in children as the bones cannot develop correctly.
Where is iron present in foods why is it important for the body?
IIron is found in red meat and some green vegetables. Iron plays a role in blood clotting and is present in hemoglobin and plays an important role in transporting oxygen around the body for cells to use in respiration.
What does an iron deficiency lead to?
An iron deficiency leads to anemia which causes tiredness as enough energy will not be produced.
What is fiber and where is it found?
Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Although fiber cannot be digested, it plays a role in helping food move through the stomach and intestines and it also adds bulk.
Why is water important for humans?
Water moves into the blood via osmosis during digestion and then into cells. It acts as a solvent in which chemical reactions take place. It also helps maintain a constant body temperature in the body due its specific heat capacity and is a metabolite.
