nutrients Flashcards
(22 cards)
function of carbohydrates
to provide energy for the body
body’s preferred fuel is carbohydrates ~ 16kj per gram
function of fibre (CHO)
to promote healthy digestion,regulate blood sugar and reduce cholesterol levels .
improves waste removal
function of protein
build,maintain and repair body cells (muscles)- crucial during youth development
acts as a backup energy source
1g= 17kj of energy
function of fats
the main function of fats is as a fuel for energy
fats are very energy dense 1g= 37kj of energy
function of monounsaturated fats
lowers LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular disease
functon of polyunsaturated
lowers LDL increases HDL, improves blood vessel elasticity,reduce heart attack/stroke risk
function of trans fats
can increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol increasing risk of cardiovascular disease
function of saturated fats
solid at room temp, increases LDL cholesterol, contributes to cardiovascular disease
describe the role of cholesterol in the body
cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining body functions,including building and repairing cells, producing hormones, and assisting in digestion
what does LDL stand for
low density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol)
what does HDL stand for
high density lipoproteins (good cholesterol)
what is atherosclerosis
atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls causing buildup of plaque(blockage)
function of sodium
sodium regulates fluid balance in the body
maintains fluid balance between cells (intracellular) and outside cells (extracellular)
fluid is drawn to it, influencing fluid and blood levels
function of calcium
calcium is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and also plays vital roles in blood clotting,nerve function, muscle contraction and heart rhythm.
function of iron
iron is essential for blood production and oxygen transport.
increased iron needs during youth due to blood volume, growth and menstruation in females
function of vitamin D
Helps absorb calcium
is created in the body when humans skin is exposed to UV rays.
function of folate (vitamin B9)
folate is required for DNA synthesis. DNA must replicate in order for new cells to be created.
function of vitamin C
vitamin C is a key component of collagen which is required to form skin tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. it also assists in healing wounds and forming scar tissue
what is hypertension
hypertension or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the artery wall is too high.
high blood cholesterol
a condition where there are excessive amounts of cholesterol in blood. cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance that is essential for building healthy cells. too much leads to a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
dehydration
dehydration is a result of an imbalance between fluid intake and fluid loss
fatigue
fatigue is a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion that reduces the