Diet and its affects on the body Flashcards
What are simple carbohydrates, what are they useful for and where are they stored
Principal source of energy. They are a source of quick energy which are useful for short quick bursts of energy used in sports such as sprinting. They are stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen
What are complex carbohydrates, what are they useful for and where are they stored
Principal source of energy. Long but slow burst of energy that will last you a long time, found in most plant based foods, they are used in sports like rugby or football which require you to work your body aerobically. They are stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen
what is atherosclerosis?
Where arteries become clogged with fatty substances?
What are high-Density Lipoproteins?
These transport excess cholesterol in the blood back to the liver where it is broken down and are classed as good cholesterol since they lower the risk of developing heart disease
What are low-Density Lipoproteins?
These transport cholesterol in the blood to the tissue and are classed as ‘bad’ cholesterol since they are linked to an increased risk of heart disease
What are saturated fats?
These can be found in both sweet and savoury foods, but most come from animal sources. Too much saturated fat leads to excessive weight gain, which will reduce stamina, limit flexibility and lead to health problems such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Cholestrol
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. Too much saturated fat leads to high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is made predominantly in the liver and is carried by the blood as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Too much LDL can lead to fatty deposits developing in the arteries, which can have a negative effect on blood flow. HDL, on the other hand, takes cholesterol away from the parts of the body where it has accumulated to the liver, where it is disposed of.
Trans-fats
Trans-fats are artificial hydrogenated fats and can be found in meat and dairy products. Most are made from an industrial process that allows food to have a longer shelf life. Trans-fat can lead to high levels of blood cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes.
However, not all fats are bad. Replacing saturated and trans-fat with unsaturated fats is important, as fat is a major source of energy in the body.
Fats are used for low-intensity, aerobic work such as jogging and cannot be used for high-intensity exercise where oxygen is in limited supply, as they require oxygen to be
broken down. Fats are also a carrier for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
