Macronutrients Flashcards
Chemical Contamination
Chemical contamination can occur in a variety of different ways at different stages of food processing and production. Such as fly spray used in the kitchen.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not considered a nutrient but considered a source of energy in the diet. Government recommends no more than 14 units of alcohol per week for men and women.
Energy from food
Energy intake is measured in joules and kilojoules but many people are more familiar with calories. Different macronutrients provide different amounts of energy.
Protein
Made up of building block called amino acids. 20 amino acids and 8 are essential that have to be provided by the diet. Animal Sources: Meat. Poultry. Fish. Eggs. Milk. Dairy. Plant Sources: Soya. Nuts. Beans. Pulses.
Protein Complementation
Different foods contains different amounts and combinations of amino acids. Vegans and vegetarians can get all the amino acids that they need by combining different types of amino acids in the same meal. For example beans on toast or rice and peas.
Carbohydrates
Carbohyrates are compounds of carbon and hydrogen and oxygen. They can be divided onto three groups called monosaccharides. Disaccharides and polysaccharides. Two main types of carbohydrates that provide dietary energy are starch and sugar. Starchy carbs is an important source of energy.
Fibre
Dietary fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plant foods. For example oats and beans etc. Dietary fibre helps to reduce the risk of heart disease; diabetes; and some cancers and helps weight control and more.
Fat
Saturated Fat = No double bonds = Fatty cuts of meat and skin of poultry and cheese. Monounsaturated fat = have 1 double bond = edible oils and avacados and nuts. Polyunsaturated = more than one double bond = edible oils and spreadable fats.
Dietary Reference Values
Series of estimates of the energy and nutritional requirements of different groups of healthy people in the UK population.
Reference Intake
Guidelines for the maximum amount of macro or micro nutrients that should be consumed in a day.
Hydration
Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid every day. Drinking too much water could lead to water intoxication which is potentially life threatening.