Unit 7 Nutrition Flashcards
What do foods provide that is essential to bodily functions?
Nutrients
Nutrients include vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
What characteristics define a well-planned diet?
Rich and adequate in a variety of nutrients, moderate in calories, enjoyable to consume
A well-planned diet supports overall health and wellness.
Who is the author of the phrase ‘Eat (whole) food, not too much, mostly plants’?
Michael Pollan
Michael Pollan is an author, journalist, and Harvard professor known for his work on food and nutrition.
List three key principles for eating properly.
- Variety
- Moderation
- Emphasize vegetables/fruits, whole grains, lean proteins
These principles help create a balanced and nutritious diet.
What should be minimized in a healthy diet?
- Empty calories
- Added sugars
- Animal fats
- Salt (sodium)
Minimizing these components can promote better health.
True or False: Healthy eating maximizes health and minimizes disease risk.
True
A healthy diet is linked to lower risk of chronic diseases.
What is nutrition?
The act or process of nourishing or being nourished
Nutrition is essential for growth, maintenance, and overall health.
What is the role of digestion?
Breaks food down into nutrients that are small enough to be absorbed into the blood
Digestion is a crucial process for nutrient availability.
What determines the nutrient composition of your diet?
The food or drinks you regularly consume
Dietary choices directly impact overall health and nutrient intake.
What happens to nutrients once they are absorbed?
They are metabolized
Metabolism is vital for energy production and bodily functions.
What occurs when calories are consumed in excess of the body’s needs?
Converted to fat and stored
Excess caloric intake can lead to weight gain.
Why should your diet be chosen carefully?
To ensure proper nutrition and health
A balanced diet supports overall well-being and prevents deficiencies.
What are the six classes of essential nutrients?
Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats, Vitamins, Minerals, Water
These nutrients are vital for various bodily functions and must be obtained through diet.
What is the caloric value of proteins per gram?
4 calories/gram
Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues.
What is the primary function of proteins?
Form important parts of muscles, bone, blood, enzymes, some hormones, and cell membranes; repair tissue; regulate water and acid-base balance; help in growth; supply energy
Proteins play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of the body.
List major sources of proteins.
- Meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Milk products
- Legumes
- Nuts
These foods are rich in protein and essential for health.
What is the caloric value of carbohydrates per gram?
4 calories/gram
Carbohydrates are a primary energy source for the body.
What is the primary function of carbohydrates?
Supply energy to cells in brain, nervous system, and blood; supply energy to muscles during exercise
They are the body’s preferred energy source.
What is the caloric value of fats per gram?
9 calories/gram
Fats provide more than double the energy of proteins and carbohydrates.
What are the primary functions of fats?
Supply energy; insulate, support, and cushion organs; provide medium for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Fats are essential for overall health and nutrient absorption.
What is the role of vitamins in the body?
Promote specific chemical reactions within cells
Vitamins are crucial for metabolic processes.
What is the role of minerals in the body?
Help regulate body functions; aid in growth and maintenance of body tissues; act as catalysts for release of energy
Minerals are vital for many physiological processes.
What is the primary function of water in the body?
Provides medium for chemical reactions; transports chemicals; regulates temperature; removes waste products
Water makes up approximately 60 percent of body weight.
What are the major sources of water?
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Liquids
These sources help maintain hydration.
True or False: Essential nutrients can be produced by the body.
False
Essential nutrients must be obtained from the diet.
Fill in the blank: Essential nutrients are substances you must get from your diet, as your body doesn’t make them, or doesn’t make them _______ enough, to meet the body’s needs.
quickly
This highlights the importance of dietary intake.
What are the basic components of macronutrients related to protein?
Muscles, bones, blood, hair, and fingernails
These components form the structural framework of the body.
What is the role of protein in the body?
Critical for growth and repair
Proteins are essential for the maintenance and healing of tissues.
Proteins are made of combinations of how many amino acids?
20 amino acids
These amino acids are the building blocks of protein.
How many amino acids are considered essential?
Nine amino acids
Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body.
Which types of proteins are considered complete?
Animal proteins (meat, poultry, fish) and soy
Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids.
What are incomplete proteins?
Grains, dry beans, nuts
Incomplete proteins lack some or all essential amino acids.
How can incomplete proteins be combined to form complete proteins?
Incomplete proteins together can make complete protein
This means that different sources can complement each other.
What is the recommended daily protein intake per kilogram of body weight?
0.8 g/kg of bodyweight per day
This guideline helps individuals meet their protein needs.
How many kilocalories does protein provide per gram?
4 kcal/g
While protein provides energy, it is not the primary source.
What is the energy provided by fats (lipids) per gram?
9 kcal/g
What is the main fuel source for the body during rest and light activity?
Fats (lipids)
Which vitamins do fats help carry?
A, D, E, K
What role do fats play in protecting the body?
Protect organs from injury
How do fats help regulate body temperature?
By insulating the body
What developmental processes are fats involved in?
Growth and development
Fats are used to make which type of biological substances?
Hormones
Excess calories from fats are stored as _______.
triglycerides
What are unsaturated fats?
Fats that are liquid at room temperature and considered healthier
Examples include vegetable oils.
What is the health impact of unsaturated fats?
May help reduce the risk of heart disease (CVD)
Unsaturated fats can improve cholesterol levels.
What are saturated fats?
Fats that are solid at room temperature and considered less healthy
Examples include animal fats.
What is the association between saturated fats and health?
Associated with an increased risk of heart disease
High intake can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
What are trans fats?
Synthetic unsaturated fats that are unhealthy
Often found in hydrogenated oils.
What health risks are linked to trans fats?
Most strongly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Trans fats can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL).
What is recommended for trans fats in the diet?
Minimize or eliminate from diet
Many health organizations recommend avoiding trans fats entirely.
Fill in the blank: Unsaturated fats are _____ at room temperature.
liquid
True or False: Saturated fats are healthier than unsaturated fats.
False
What is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells?
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential for energy production in the body.
Which fuel source can the brain only use?
Carbohydrates
The brain relies exclusively on carbohydrates for energy.
What is the energy supply of carbohydrates per gram?
4 kcal/g
This energy value is important for dietary planning.
What are simple carbohydrates?
1 or 2 sugar units
Examples include table sugar, fruit, and milk.
What is a potential effect of consuming simple carbohydrates?
Hyperglycemia
Simple carbs can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
What are complex carbohydrates?
Longer chains of sugar units
Complex carbs include grains, cereals, and vegetables.
What is a benefit of complex carbohydrates?
Rich in fibre and help regulate blood glucose
Complex carbs promote fullness and are digested more slowly.
Where do animals, including humans, store some carbohydrates?
As glycogen in the liver and in muscle
Glycogen serves as a readily available energy source.
What is fibre?
Complex plant carbohydrate we cannot digest
Fibre is important for digestive health.
What are some benefits of dietary fibre?
Promotes regularity and heart health
Fibre-rich foods contribute to overall well-being.
Name three foods rich in fibre.
- Whole wheats
- Ryes
- Oats
- Barley
Including these in the diet can improve health.
What are vitamins?
Organic compounds that contain carbon and help regulate body growth, maintain tissue, and release energy from foods.
Examples include A, D, E, K, thiamine, niacin, and folate.