Nutrition Flashcards
What are the four different forms of sugars?
Monosaccharide, Disaccharide, Oligosaccharide, Polysaccharide.
What is glycogen and Why does glycogen convert into fat should it be consumed in excess?
Glycogen is carbohydrate consumed in the diet and is not used immediately used for energy. Glycogen contains many water molecules, hence its molecules are bulky and heavy and inefficient to be stored and are converted into fats for long-term storage.
What are the different functions of protein? Name all 5 functions.
They are responsible for the formation of blood, skin, nervous system, muscles, and brain.
They are responsible for creating enzymes to speed up chemical reactions in the body.
It creates antibodies for the body to use to fight against diseases.
Protein can also be converted into energy in times of deprivation.
It acts as a transport mechanism for iron, vitamins, minerals, fats, and oxygen.
Why do saturated and trans fats lead to increased levels of heart attacks and strokes? What type of cholesterol is produced?
Saturated and trans fats include no double bonds and hence are very stable and solid at room temperature, when ingested it may potentially clot the arteries, blocking blood from circulating, resulting in heart attacks. Low-density lipoproteins are produced from these fats, or bad cholesterol.
Why are animal proteins referred to as complete proteins? Why are vegetable proteins excluded and how can you compensate for this?
Animal proteins contain all the amino acids(8-10 essential amino acids) that we lack and can only obtain through food. Vegetable protein lack this completeness and are usually lacking in one or more essential amino acids and hence can be compensated by eating another vegetable protein that provides the missing amino acid.
What is the difference between LDL and HDL?
LDL clogs arteries and bloodstream while HDL clears excess cholesterol and transports them to the liver to be excreted.
What is the function of vitamins? Name water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. What is their difference?
Vitamins are needed to ensure normal physiological functions of our body. There are 13 essential vitamins separated into water and fat-soluble.
Water soluble vitamins include thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, B6 and 12, pantothenic, biotin, and folate. Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored and act as cofactors of enzymes.
Fat soluble vitamins include Vitamins A,D,E and K. Fat soluble vitamins can be stored in the liver and adipose tissue, which reduces the risk of deficiency but increases the risk of toxicity.
What are the functions of minerals?
Minerals are responsible for assisting with strength and growth, maintaining acid-base balance and regulating enzyme activity.
What are the functions of water?
Water is responsible for regulating body temperature, a medium for all biochemical reactions, maintaining high blood volume for optimal athletic performance, and driving force for nutrient absorption.
