Nutrition Flashcards
(41 cards)
Definition of digestion?
When the body breaks down food into simpler substances that can be used as nutrients or excreted as waste.
What is peristalsis?
Involuntary muscle contractions that moves food throughout the digestive system.
What is the esophagus?
It’s a tubular organ that connects the mouth to the stomach.
What is the stomach?
Sac like organ which holds food so it can be digested by acids and enzymes.
How long does food stay in the stomach after entering?
2-8 hours
What organs are involved in digestion?
The mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anis
Liver functions?
Filters toxins from the blood, produces bile.
Largest internal organ?
Liver
What does the bile produced by the liver break down?
Carbs, proteins, and fats
What stores, holds, and releases the bile produced by the liver whenever the body needs it?
The gallbladder
Definition of calories?
Energy stored within food that are used for processes of the body
What are the building blocks of a diet?
Macronutrients
What is required for optimal growth, development, and body function
Micronutrients
What’s considered the major building block of the body?
Protein
What is the chief enzyme and does what?
Breaks down protein
What are some sources of protein?
Beans, soy, nuts, meats, eggs, and fish.
What does the digestive system turn carbohydrates into?
Sugar
What foods contain carbohydrates?
Vegetables, fruits, milk, nuts, grains, legumes, and seeds
Carbs make how much of our daily diet?
45 - 65 %
What is the glycemic index?
Carbohydrate-containing food’s ability to increase the body’s blood glucose level
What essential nutrient helps absorb vitamins while providing a energy source?
Fats
What types of fats should be avoided?
Trans and saturated fats
Why should these fats be avoided?
The heart runs on the burning of fats, with bad fats or low-density lipoprotein (LDL’s) your heart doesn’t burn through fats like it should.
Monounsaturated fats are what kind of fat?
Healthy fats! They are high-density lipoproteins (HDL’s).