Macronutrients Flashcards
what is the function of protein?
it helps with the growth, repair and maintenance of body cells and tissues
give examples of 3 protein sources
- meat
- eggs
- peanuts
what is the effect of having not enough protein?
- growth in children is slowed down
- cuts and wounds take longer to heal
what is the effect of having too much protein?
- can be converted into fat
what is the function of carbohydrates?
provides energy for all bodily activities
what are the 2 categories that sugars can be divided into?
- monosaccharides
- disaccharides
what is another name for starches?
total complex carbohydrates
state 3 sources of starches
- bread
- potatoes
- flour
what is the effect of having not enough carbohydrates?
- a lack of energy which would lead to tiredness
what is the effect of having too much carbohydrates?
- can be converted into fat and may lead to obesity
- too much sugar can lead to dental caries or type 2 diabetes
what are the 2 categories of fat?
- saturated
- unsaturated
which is the “bad” fat?
saturated fat
what are the functions of fat?
- concentrated source of energy
- provides warmth
sources of fat
- meat
- milk
- butter
what are the 2 types of cholesterol?
- LDL (low density lipoprotein)
- HDL (high density lipoprotein)
which of the 2 types of cholesterol, is the “good” cholesterol?
- HDL
what does LDL do?
sticks to the artery walls which narrows the artery
what does HDL do?
ferries the LDL cholesterol away from the artery and to the liver where it is converted into bile
what are essential fatty acids?
specific polyunsaturated fats
what are the 2 main types of essential fatty acids?
- omega-3
- omega-6
function of omega-3
- reduces the risk of blood clots, so reduces the risk of heart attacks
sources of omega-3
oily fish (mackrel, trout, sardines, etc.)
function of omega-6
decreases bad cholesterol
what would be the effect of having too much omega-6
may decrease good cholesterol as well as bad
sources of omega-6
- sunflower
- soya bean oils
- polyunsaturated margarine
effect of not enough fat
- intake of essential fatty acids would be reduced
- fat soluble vitamins would be reduced
effect of too much fat
- may lead to obesity
- can lead to high blood pressure and coronary heart disease
