Nutrition in a Social Context

Question 1

Nutrients

Answer 1

Provide energy (calories = measure of energy)
Provide structure
- Bones, hair, skin
- Cell membranes and structures
Regulate body processes
- Body temperature
- Blood pressure
- Hormones and cell communication
- Speed up reactions

Question 2

Essential Nutrients

Answer 2

Our bodies cannot make them, so it is essential that we consume them

Question 3

Non-Essential Nutrients

Answer 3

Our bodies can make them from other nutrients, so it is not essential that we consume them

Question 4

High Nutrient Density Foods

Answer 4

Contains more nutrients per calorie

ex. vegetables, fruits, whole-grains

Question 5

Low Nutrient Density Foods

Answer 5

Contains fewer nutrients per calorie

ex. cake, sugary drinks, french fries

Question 6

Fortified Foods

Answer 6

Nutrients added to foods
The food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires fortification / enrichment of some foods in an attempt to prevent disease

Question 7

Phytochemicals

Answer 7

Non-nutrient substances in foods from plants thought to be beneficial to the human body

Question 8

Zoochemicals

Answer 8

Non-nutrient substances in foods from animals thought to be beneficial to the human body

Question 9

Functional Foods

Answer 9

Provides health benefits beyond functions of nutrients

ex. Broccoli prevents cancer, Oatmeal lowers cholesterol, Salmon prevents heart disease

Question 10

Designer Foods / Nutraceuticals

Answer 10

Functional foods with added nutrients

ex. Water with added vitamins, Margarine with added plant sterols, Orange juice with added calcium

Question 11

Calorie (with a capital “C”)

Answer 11

Calorie = kilocalorie (kcal) = 1000 calories
Measure of energy in food
Proteins and carbohydrates = 4 calories/gram
Fat = 9 calories/gram
Alcohol = 7 calories/gram (not a nutrient)

Question 12

Overnutrition

Answer 12

Too much of a nutrient or nutrients or calories

Question 13

Undernutrition

Answer 13

Too little of a nutrient or nutrients or calories

Question 14

Disease Genetics

Answer 14

Your actual risk of disease results from the interplay between the genes you inherit and the diet and lifestyle choices you make

• The genes you inherit may give you a greater or lesser tendency to develop conditions like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes
• The nutrients and food components you consume and the amount of exercise you get can increase or decrease your risk of developing nutrition-related diseases

Question 15

Healthy Diet

Answer 15

Variety, Balance, Moderation
High in:
- Fruits, vegetables, whole grains
Moderate in: 
- Calories, sodium, sugar
Low in:
- Unhealthy fats (trans fats, saturated fats, cholesterol

Question 16

Variety

Answer 16

Eating foods from a variety of food groups
Eating a variety of foods within each food group
Benefits: increased nutrients and phytochemicals, decreased toxins

Question 17

Balance

Answer 17

Balance unhealthy choices with healthy choices
Balance calories in with calories burned
Balance foods within food groups
Benefits: wider variety of nutrients and weight control

Question 18

Moderation

Answer 18

Moderate portion sizes
Moderate consumption of each food
Benefits: not too much of any nutrient or calories

Question 19

Science of Nutrition - Scientific Method

Answer 19

Make an observation
Propose a hypothesis
Design and conduct experiment to test hypothesis
Analyze results
Publish and present with peer review
Repeat and expand experiments
Develop theories based on results from many experiments

Question 20

Epidemiological Studies

Answer 20

Studies populations

ex. fatty fish and heart disease in Alaska natives

Question 21

Laboratory Studies

Answer 21

Conducted on cells, animals, or humans completely within a laboratory
ex. eat a meal and test blood glucose

Question 22

Experimental or Clinical Studies

Answer 22

Compares an experimental group or treatment group with a control group
ex. treatment group drinks / takes supplement and control group takes placebo

Question 23

Factors Affecting Diet

Answer 23

Economic
Physical (storage, facilities, geographical)
Cultural influence
Ecological
Religious
Political
Habits (vegetarian / vegan)