Macronutrients - lipids, proteins and carbohydrates

Question 1

Describe the chemical structure, functions and food sources of protein

Answer 1

• Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen atoms
• muscle growth, hormones, antibodies
• Meat or legumes

Question 2

Describe the chemical structure, functions and food sources of Lipids

Answer 2

• Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
• provide energy reserve when stored in body fat tissues and insulate against temperature extremes. Signalling and structural components of cell membranes
• nuts, seeds, and olives

Question 3

Describe the chemical structure, functions and food sources of carbohydrates

Answer 3

• Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
• source of energy, can be stored as fat
• whole grains and fruit

Question 4

Discuss the relevance of macronutrient ratios in disease prevention and optimal health

Answer 4

P/L/C = 15-20/20-35/45-65
This ratio ensures adequate protein for muscle synthesis, essential fatty acids and lipids for energy and skin and carbohydrates for energy and energy storage

Question 5

Summarise the key features of the Mediterranean diet

Answer 5

Mediterranean diet is high in healthy fats (40%) such as nuts, seeds and olive oil. High omega 3/6 from walnuts and legumes is included. Their animals are generally grazing animals so contain leaner, tougher meat with less fat. High consumption of fruit and vegetables.

Question 6

State the Australian Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR) for protein, carbohydrate and lipids

Answer 6

CHO: Lipids: Protein = 60:25:15

Question 7

What is energy density

Answer 7

The amount of kilojoules per gram

Question 8

Key features of animal vs plant foods

Answer 8

Animal foods contain all the amino acids; plants don’t
Animal foods don’t contain fibre and are higher in sat fats
Plants are a good source of ALA
Animals have high B vitamin contents, but missing other essential sources such as E, K and folate

Question 9

What are zoochemicals and give examples?

Answer 9

The are bioactive compounds that are found in foods such as milk - lactoferrin (antimicrobial) and fish (antihypertensive peptides ACE inhibiting effect)

Question 10

What are the health risks of high out of home meals?

Answer 10

High intake of saturated fats which can cause chronic diseases, high cholesterol and obesity risk
High sodium and sugar content
Not nutritionally dense