Nutrition Basics Flashcards
Macronutrients
- carbohydrates (fibers & sugars), protein, fats
- provide calories
- all foods are one or a combinations of macronutrients
micronutrients
vitamins & minerals
non-nutrients
compounds other than the six nutrients present in food that have biological activity in the body
phyto-chemicals
- non-nutrient compounds in plant-derived food that have biological activity in the body
- confer color and taste on foods
- many thought to reduce disease
carbohydrates
primary source of fuel for the body, brain, and muscles
proteins
build new cells and tissues, & important for regulating breakdown of food, and food balance
fats
important for providing energy, fat-soluble vitamins, and essential fatty acids
health benefits of fiber
blood sugar, cholesterol, digestive health, and feelings of fullness
unsaturated fats
- mono & poly unsaturated
- considered heart healthy
- found in olive oil, nuts, fish, avocado..
saturated fats
animal products, coconut & palm oils, fried foods, sweets, bacon
trans fat
ALWAYS UNHEALTHY
-AKA partially hydrogenated oils
enriched/fortified foods
nutrients have been added
fast foods
food available w/in minutes after order
functional foods
foods known to possess nutrients or non-nutrients that might lend protection against diseases
natural foods
- not a legal definition
- implies wholesomeness
nutraceutical
- not a legal definition/scientific term
- refers to foods, nutrients, or dietary supplements that are believed to have medicinal effects (often unproven)
organic foods
foods grown w/o synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
partitioned foods
composed of parts of whole foods (ex.- butter from milk)
-generally overused and provide few nutrients and many calories
processed foods
foods subjected to any process- such as milling, texture alteration, addition of additives, cooking, etc.
-may or may not be nutritious
staple foods
used frequently/daily, can be nutritious
basic/whole foods
foods in their natural state, meats, milk, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains
