Nutrition Flashcards
what is metabolism?
refers to all of the chemical reactions that occur in the body
explain carbohydrates
substances that provide energy
most important: starch and sugar
explain lipids
the building blocks of lipids are fatty acids and glycerol
lipids are hydrophobic (don’t like water)
explain a high density lipoprotein
known as ‘good’ cholesterol because it takes cholesterol to your liver to be expelled from the body
explain low density lipoprotein
known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, because it takes cholesterol to the arteries where it may collect in the artery walls
explain fatty acids
important component of cell membranes
two types: saturated fats and unsaturated fats
explain the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats
saturated fats are solid at room temperature - they have no double bond between the molecules (no gaps)
unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature - they have a double bond between molecules which break up the chain of hydrogen, making gaps
explain proteins
essential for growth and repair in the body
sources include: fish, milk and eggs
explain protein energy malnutrition (PEM)
specific form of malnutrition arising from the lack of protein
explain nutrients
chemical substances in food that body cells use for growth, maintenance and repair
6 main types: water, carbs, lipids, protein, minerals and vitamins
explain minerals
include: calcium, potassium, sodium chloride and magnesium
explain vitamins
organic materials required in small amounts to maintain growth and normal metabolism
vitamins can be water or fat soluble
explain the difference between water and fat soluble vitamins
water soluble: expelled from the body quicker and smaller amounts are stored in the body at one time (eg vitamin C and B12)
fat soluble: stored in oil and fats, stick around in the body for longer (eg vitamins A, D, E and K)
what are the 5 food groups?
fruit, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy
what is an essential nutrient?
a nutrient that the body cannot make on its own or not to the required amount, therefore it must be provided in the diet