Exam I Flashcards
What is the ORAC value?
The ORAC value names antioxidants based off of their ability to move or slow down oxidative processes and repair free radical damage, particularly in cells.
What are antioxidants capable of?
Reversing cell death, cell dysfunction and DNA dysfunction.
How can you measure an ORAC value in your body?
Blood test
How do carbohydrates serve the body?
Provide glucose to cells as primary energy source, manurfacture genetic material (DNA), maintain health of digestive system (through fiber)
What do carbohydrates do?
Carbohydrates digest and absorb into the bloodstream, and breakdown glucose, which is the prime energy source of cells.
Name the macronutrients found in cell membranes.
Proteins, lipids and carbohydrates.
What component of a carbohydrate aids in cell signaling?
The carbohydrate tail on a glycoprotein
What sources are not the best choices of food when it comes to carbohydrates?
White and yellow foods
white bread, pasta, bananas, corn
What foods are good choices when it comes to carbohydrates?
Fruits and vegetables
sweet potatoes, mangos, papayas, oranges, green leafy foods, avocados, etc.
What does a protein contain in terms of its chemical composition?
Carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur atoms
What functions do proteins carry out?
They are a source of energy, provide major structural material in the body (muscle), allows humans to move, create antibodies for infections, hemoglobin, and are important for normal heart and liver functioning.
Name some high protein containing foods.
Nuts, beans, eggs Milk: rice, almond, soy, cow Meat Avocado, fish, banana, grapes, cherries, dates, chia seeds, spirulina (has all essential amino acids) Protein powders: whey, pea Brown rice, hemp
What chemical composition makes up carbohydrates?
Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms
What chemical composition makes up lipids?
Carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms
What do lipids do?
Provide large amounts of energy, are components of cell membranes, regulate cellular processes and cell signaling, and assist with the development and structure of the brain, nervous and reproductive systems.
Lipids are capable of providing “more bang for your buck” in terms of energy, so why are they not the main energy source in the body?
It is more difficult to break down in the body - they are not energy efficient.
Name a few lipid containing foods.
Olive oil, fish, meats, avocados, nuts, eggs
How much weight does water make up in the human body?
~60%
What does water do within the body?
Transports nutrients, gases and wastes products, regulates body temperature, protects internal organs from damage
What chemical composition makes up vitamins?
They consist of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms.
Some may contain phosphorus and sulfur
What are the functions of vitamins? What do they aid in?
Normal cell function, growth and development, support chemical reactions, protect body from damaging effects of toxic compounds, assist in using energy from carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Assist in disease prevention and treatment.
What can be said that is true about vitamins?
Each vitamin has a specific function in the body
How is Vitamin D beneficial?
It has tremendous immune properties. It’s what stimulates immune cells to produce neuropeptides, which are natural antibiotics.
Name water soluble vitamins.
Vitamin C and B vitamins