Unit 1: Nutrition And Health Flashcards
Micronutrients (4 points)
- Small molecules/single atoms
- Includes vitamins and minerals
- Performs essential functions in the body
- No energy associated with them
Macronutrients (3 points)
- large molecules
- give us energy which is measured in calories, as well as performs other critical functions in the body
- includes lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins
Malnourished (4 points)
- Typically results from chronic under feeding
- Can be general or nutrient specific
- General malnutrition is a sign of lack of food
- Nutrient malnutritions can indicate an unbalanced diet, absorption issue, or lack of access to a specific food
Overfed (2 points)
- Results in obesity
2. Results in an increase in other chronic diseases (eg heart diseases, diabetes, etc.)
Carbohydrates (4 points)
- Provide 4 calories of energy/gram
- Produced by plants in photosynthesis
- Found in plant based foods and milk
- Categories include: sugars, starches, fibres
Functions of Carbohydrates (6 points)
- Energy
- Communication among cells
- Structure and function of proteins
- Supply raw materials to build compounds
- Promotes elimination of wastes
- Contributes to an energy reserve
Sugars (5 points)
- Simplest from of Carbs
- Comprised of 1 or 2 saccharides
- Form of empty calories (provide energy, but have no other use)
- WHO recommends only 5% added sugar calories
- Too much sugar= higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, obesity
Starches (3 points)
- Long chain of glucose
- Aka polysaccharides
- Bodies digest starch slower than sugars
What are starches found in?
Grains, beans, and vegetables
What are sugars found in?
Sugar, honey, fruit juice, maple syrup, molasses, fructose, drinks, desserts
Fibre (5 points)
- Long chains of glucose bonds, but the shape is different than starches
- We do not have digestive enzymes for fibre
- Categorized as soluble and insoluble fibre
- Fibre passes through out system without being absorbed
- 25g/ day AT LEAST
Soluble Fibres (3 points)
- Mixes with stomach acid to make a gel-like substance
- Slows down digestion
- Binds with fat and removes it
Insoluble Fibres (3 points)
- Provides bulk to waste
- Regulates pH in the gut
- Feeds large intestine bacteria
Structure and Function of Proteins (5 points)
- Long chains of amino acids
- Make up muscles, organs, enzymes, organelles, etc.
- Can be used as energy source, but this is not our body’s preference
- 4 calories/gram
- 50g/ day recommended
Dietary Sources of Protein
Meat/alternatives, milk/alternatives, grains, some vegetables
Protein Deficiency (3 points)
- Responsible for 6 million deaths each year
- Tropical regions more at risk
- Kwashiorkor(protein specific), marasmus(no food)
Protein Toxicity (2 types)
- General = kidney disease, calcium loss in urine
2. PKU = genetic condition, unable to break down phenylalanine (an amino acid)
Structure and Function of Lipids (2 points)
- Structure: long chains of carbon and hydrogen
- Function: cell membranes, bile, insulation/protection, vitamin absorption/storage, brain/nerve cell insulation, energy
Dietary Sources of Lipids
Milk/alternatives, oils, meat/alternatives, some grains and some vegetables
Saturated Fat (3 points)
- Solid at room temperature
- Found in red meats and alternatives, and fried foods
- High intake is associated with heart disease
Unsaturated Fats (5 points)
- Liquid at room temperature
- Found in chicken, fish, vegetables oils
- High intake LOWERS risk of heart disease
- Monounsaturated (omega 3 and 6, play with mood and behaviour) and polyunsaturated (omega 9)
- 3 and 9 are better than 6
Trans Fats (3 points)
- Developed to try and make spreadable unsaturated fat
- EPIC FAILED, created a fat that cannot break down
- Huge contributor to heart disease
Iron
Dietary sources: liver, tofu, octopus, oysters, asparagus, spinach, oatmeal
Use: helps carry oxygen through the body
Storage: stored in ferritin, which is found in the liver and muscles
Deficiency: heart failure, fatigue, shortness of breath
Overdose: fatigue, enlarged liver or spleen
Vitamin K
Sources: beef liver, dark green vegetables Use: blood thinner Storage: body makes it's own, not stored Deficiency: uncommon, cystic fibrosis Overdose: uncommon, body numbness