nutrition Flashcards
Nutrients
Nutrients are chemical compounds in food that are used by the body to function properly and maintain health
Calorie
Unit of energy
Metabolism
metabolism is measured by calories used and it’s is the process by which cells use energy derived from that food
BMI
Body mass index is a value derived from the mass and height of a person. kilogram divided by meters²
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all the cells in your body
Overweight vs. obese
Overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to 25; and. obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are starch and sugar
Fats/Lipids
Fats are molecules composed of fatty acids and glycerol
Protein
Protein is a molecule made up of amino acids
Vitamins
Vitamins are a group of substances that are needed for normal cell function, growth, and development
Minerals
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound having an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties.
Water
Water is a colorless, transparent, odorless liquid that is the basis of the fluids of living organisms
Carbohydrate fact
- Carbohydrates are found in a wide array of both healthy and unhealthy foods—bread, beans, milk, popcorn, potatoes, cookies, spaghetti, soft drinks, corn, and cherry pie
- Carbohydrates are starch and sugar
- Carbohydrates provide the body with glucose, which is converted to energy used to support bodily functions and physical activity
- Carbohydrates are the only fuel source metabolized fast enough to support hard exercise
- The brain is the only carbohydrate-dependant organ in the body
Fats/Lipids fact
- Fats are molecules composed of fatty acids and glycerol
- Fat helps the body absorb vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E. These vitamins are fat-soluble, which means they can only be absorbed with the help of fats.
- There are four major types of fat: Saturated fat, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat
- Fat gives food a particular texture, appearance, and flavor
- A small amount of fat is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet but too much can put parts of your health at risk
Protein fact
- Proteins are essential nutrients for the human body
- Protein is a molecule made up of amino acids
- They also are a main source of energy
- Protein is found throughout the body like muscle, bone, skin, hair, and virtually every other body part or tissue
- It keeps us feeling full
Vitamin fact
- Vitamins C, E, and some forms of A act as antioxidants. They prevent cells from being damaged by oxygen
- There are 13 essential vitamins, A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate)
- Vitamins help your body function by resisting infections, keeping your nerves healthy, helping your body get energy from food, and helping your blood clot properly
- Vitamins are a group of substances that are needed for normal cell function, growth, and development
- Vitamin D isn’t naturally found in many foods, but you can get it from fortified milk, fortified cereal, and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines
Mineral fact
- A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound having an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties.
- Minerals that are essential for health include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, chromium, copper, fluoride, molybdenum, manganese, and selenium.
- Minerals also work to regulate many body processes, examples of this include Sodium and potassium because they are important to nervous system function.
- Minerals and vitamins often work together
- There are 16 different minerals that are known to be needed in our diets
Water fact
- Water is the main component of Earth’s hydrosphere and the fluids of all known living organisms
- It is vital for all known forms of life, despite providing neither food, energy, nor organic micronutrients
- Helps your body do many things, such as keeping a normal temperature, lubricating and cushioning joints, and protecting your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
- The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.
- Water is a colorless, transparent, odorless liquid that is the basis of the fluids of living organisms
