micro and macro nutrients Flashcards
what are macronutrients?
are proteins, carbohydrates and fats which are needed by the body in large amounts and are measured in grams
what are micronutrients?
are vitamins and minerals, which are needed by the body in very small amounts measured in milligrams
why do we need protein?
this macronutrient is vital for growth, repair and maintenance of the body cells and the production of enzymes and hormones and provide energy at 4kcal/17kJ
what are proteins made from?
amino acid chains
what are the differences between vegetable and animal proteins?
animal proteins have HBV and are found in meat, fish, cheese and milk
vegetable proteins have LBV and are found in seeds, beans, lentils and grains. has exceptions of tofu, soya and quorn which are HBV proteins
what are complementary proteins?
putting two or more LBV proteins together which form HBV meals such as beans on toast
what are the protein deficiency?
brittle hair, pot bellies called oedema and kwashiorkor which is the failure to grow
what are the macronutrient carbohydrates broken down into in digestion?
glucose which is then absorbed into the blood
what does the hormone insulin allow the body cells to do?
allow glucose to enter cells
what are the two types of carbohydrates?
starch- gives slow release energy, keeping us feeling full for longer
sugar- releases glucose very fast, giving us short bursts of energy
which type of carbohydrate do monosaccharides and disaccharides full under?
sugars
what type of carbohydrate do polysaccharides full under?
starch
when are disaccharides formed?
when two monosaccharides join together
what type of carbohydrate is dietary fibre/NSP?
non-starch polysaccharide
NSP has two types of fibre, what are they?
insoluble and soluble
what does insoluble fibre do in the body and what is it found in?
travels through the digestive system without being digested. it is needed to absorb water and bulk out the faeces , making it easier and softer to pass through. keeps the colon and bowel healthy.
found in wholegrains, nuts and many fruits and vegetables
what does soluble fibre do in the body and where is it found?
lowers blood cholesterol.
found in carrots, apples, oats and beans
what does a diet high in fibre do?
keep us full for longer, help maintain a healthy weight as it stops snacking. helps control blood sugar levels.
fat is a macronutrient, what is it needed for in the body?
insulation, protecting vital organs, hormone production, acting as a carrier for fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. supplying fatty acids, which the body is unable to make for itself.
what is the composition of fat?
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen