Sec 32.1: Nutrients and Homeostasis Flashcards
Homeostasis
is the stable state of internal conditions in living systems
What are the 6 types of nutrients that maintain homeostasis?
Water, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats, Minerals, and Vitamins
What is the body’s main source of energy?
Carbohydrate
What does water help in?
digest food, eliminate waste products, maintain blood volume, regulate body temperature, keep skin moist, replace sweat, urine & respiration
Where are simple carbs found?
Sugars in honey, fruits, and sugar cane
Where are complex carbs found?
Starches in grains, potatoes, vegetables
What is excess glucose from carbs breaking down stored as?
It is converted to glycogen and stored in the liver and muscle tissues for future energy.
What is cellulose?
dietary fiber that helps move food through digestive system
What are proteins?
They are the raw materials used for growth and repair of cells and tissues (make enzymes vital for cell metabolism).
How many amino acids needed to build proteins does the body make? How many do you get from food?
The body makes 12 out of 20, and you gain the other 8, called essential amino acids, out of foods.
What do fats do?
They provide energy and are a key composition in the cell membrane.
What are fats formed of? Does the body make them?
They are formed of chains of fatty acids hooked to glycerol molecules. The body makes some, some are eaten.
What are saturated fats?
They are unhealthy fats, solid at room temperature, and found in animal products.
What are unsaturated fats?
They are considered healthy fats, liquid at room temperature, and found in plant oils and fish.
What are minerals?
They are inorganic materials used by the body to carry out processes in cells to build or repair tissue.
Why do you need to take minerals?
Because they are constantly lost in urine, sweat, and other waste products.
What is calcium important for?
blood clotting, bone/tooth formation, muscle/nerve function
What sources can you gain calcium from?
dairy products, salmon, sardines, dark leafy greens
What is iron important for?
component in homoglobin
What sources can you gain iron from?
liver, dark leafy greens, whole grains
What is iodine important for?
component in thyroid hormones
What is magnesium important for?
bone/tooth formation, coenzyme in protein synthesis
what sources can you gain magnesium from?
nuts, whole grains, leafy green vegetables
what is phosphorus important for?
bone/tooth formation, active in many metabolic processes
what is potassium important for?
regulation of pH, fluid balance, and muscle/nerve function
what is sodium important for?
regulation of pH, fluid balance, and muscle/nerve function
what sources can you gain sodium from?
table salt, seafood, processed foods
what is zinc important for?
activation of many enzymes in metabolic processes
What are vitamins?
Vitamins are organic molecules that work with enzymes to regulate cell functions, growth, and development.
What are the vitamins divided into?
fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins
What are the fat-soluble vitamins?
they are those that dissolve in fats and taken before food. the 4 vitamins are A, D, E, and K
What are the water-soluble vitamins?
they are those that dissolve in water and are taken after food. the most important ones are the B vitamins, vitamin C, and Folic acid
What is vitamin A (retinol) important for?
healthy skin, mucous membrane, and vision
What is vitamin D (calciferol) important for?
bone/tooth formation, increase in calcium and phosphorus absorption
What are the sources you can gain vitamin D from?
fortified fairy and whole grain products, egg yolks, fish and liver oils
What is vitamin E (tocopherol) important for?
prevention of cell damage
What is vitamin K important for?
blood clotting and synthesis of clotting factors
What are the sources you can gain vitamin K from?
leafy green vegetables, egg yolk, liver, also made by intestinal bacteria
what are all B vitamins important for?
metabolism of carbs, proteins, glucose, fats. it is also important for the nerves and for protein synthesis and red blood cell production.
What is vitamin C (ascorbic acid) important for?
antioxidant, maintenance of cartilage and bone, iron absorption, tissue repair, wound healing, and healthy gums
What sources can you gain vitamin C from?
citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, melons
What is Folic acid important for?
amino acid synthesis and metabolism, prevention of neural tube defects in fetuses.
