final Flashcards
(150 cards)
nutrition
the science of food and how the body uses it in health and disease
Essential nutrients
substances the body must get from food because it cannot manufacture them at all or fast enough to meet its needs. These nutrients include protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals and water
proteins
from important parts of muscles, bone, blood, enzymes, some hormones, and cell membranes; repair tissue; regular water and acid-base balance; help in growth; supply energy
fats
supply energy; insulate, support, and cushion organs; provide medium for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
vitamins
promote (initiate or speed up) specific chemical reactions within cells
minerals
help regulate body functions; aid in the growth and maintenance of body tissues; act as catalysts for the release of energy
water
provides a medium for chemical reactions; transports chemicals; regulates temperature; removes waste products
macronutrients
essential nutrients required by the body in relatively large amounts
micronutrients
essential nutrients required by the body in minute amounts
digestion
the process of breaking down foods in the gastrointestinal tract into compounds the body can absorb
kilocalorie
a measure of energy content in food: 1 kilo calorie represents the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 litre of water by 1 degree C; commonly referred to as a calorie
protein
an essential nutrient that forms important parts of the body’s main structures (muscle and bones) as well as blood, enzymes, hormones, and ell membranes, also provides energy
amino acids
the building blocks of proteins
legumes
vegetables such as peas and beans that are high in fibre are also important sources of protein
adequate intake of protein for adults
50 grams of protein per day
saturated
fatty acids found mostly in animal products and tropical oils; usually solid at room temp
unsaturated
fatty acids usually found in plant foods; usually liquid at room temp
hydrogenation
a process by which hydrogens are added to unsaturated fats, increasing the degree of saturation and turning liquid oils into solid fats. Hydrogenation produces a mixture of saturated fatty acids and standard and trans forms of unsaturated fatty acids
trans fatty acids
a type of unsaturated fatty acid produced during the process of hydrogenation; trans fats have an atypical shape that affects their chemical activity
low-density lipoprotein
blood fat that transports cholesterol to organs and tissues; excess amounts result in the accumulation of fatty deposits on artery walls
high density lipoprotein
blood fat that helps transport cholesterol out of the arteries, thereby protecting against heart disease
cholesterol
waxy substance found in the blood and cells and needed for cell membranes. vitamin D, and hormone synthesis
carbohydrate
an essential nutrient; sugars, starches, and dietary fibre are all carbohydrates
glucose
a simple sugar that is the body’s basic fuel