Macro and Micro Nutrients Flashcards
What are carbohydrates?
Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that provide energy for the body.
Found in foods like bread, pasta, and fruits.
What percentage of caloric intake should carbohydrates make up to support energy needs?
50–65% of caloric intake.
This helps prevent ketosis.
What are proteins composed of?
Large molecules made up of amino acids.
Essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.
In which foods can proteins be found?
Meat, beans, and nuts.
Chicken breast is an example of a protein-rich food.
What is the primary function of proteins in the body?
Growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.
Crucial for wound healing and immune function.
What are fats?
Lipids that serve as a major source of energy and are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Found in foods like butter, oils, and avocados.
How many calories do fats provide per gram?
9 calories per gram.
Essential for hormone production and cell membrane integrity.
What is glucose?
A simple sugar that is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells.
Blood glucose monitoring is vital for managing diabetes.
What is glycogen?
A stored form of glucose found in the liver and muscles.
Used for energy during intense exercise.
What are amino acids?
Building blocks of proteins, some of which are essential and must be obtained from the diet.
Found in protein-rich foods like eggs.
What are essential amino acids?
Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from food.
Lysine is an example found in fish and dairy products.
What are saturated fats?
Fats that are solid at room temperature and can raise cholesterol levels.
Found in animal products like bacon.
What are unsaturated fats?
Fats that are liquid at room temperature and can help reduce cholesterol levels.
Found in plant oils like olive oil.
What are trans fats?
Artificially created fats that can increase the risk of heart disease.
Often found in processed foods like margarine.
What is fiber?
Indigestible parts of plant foods that aid in digestion and prevent constipation.
Found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
What are lipids?
A group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, oils, and cholesterol.
Crucial for cell membrane structure and hormone production.
What is cholesterol?
A waxy substance found in the blood, necessary for building cells but can cause heart disease if levels are too high.
Statins are used to reduce cholesterol levels.
What are triglycerides?
The main form of fat in the body, used for energy storage.
High triglyceride levels are associated with increased risk of heart disease.
What is ketosis?
A metabolic state where the body uses ketones for energy instead of glucose.
Occurs during low carbohydrate intake.
What is caloric intake?
The total number of calories consumed from food and beverages.
A daily caloric intake of 2000 calories is recommended for an average adult.
What is metabolism?
The chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.
Influenced by factors such as age, gender, and physical activity.
What is digestion?
The process by which food is broken down into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body.
Enzymes in saliva start the digestion of carbohydrates.
What is absorption?
The process by which nutrients from food are taken into the body’s cells.
Nutrients from digested food are absorbed in the small intestine.
What are enzymes?
Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body, including digestion.
Amylase is an example that helps digest carbohydrates.
