Health Outcome Flashcards
(28 cards)
What are the major nutrients required by the body?
- carbohydrates (including fibre)
- protein
- fats
- vitamins, such as vitamin D, vitamin C and folate
- minerals, such as calcium, sodium and iron
- water.
What is the function of carbohydrates?
- Provide fuel for the body.
What some carbohydrate food sources?
Major food sources of carbohydrates include:
- vegetables
- rice
- bread
- pasta
- cereals
- fruits (such as oranges, grapes and bananas).
How do carbohydrates give the body energy?
- Carbohydrates are broken down and the glucose molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Cells take the molecules from the bloodstream and store them, ready for use.
- Glucose is the preferred fuel for energy in the human body and carbohydrates are rich in glucose.
What are the two kinds of carbohydrates?
- Simple
- Complex
What is a ‘simple’ carbohydrate?
Carbohydrates that are quickly broken down by the body for energy. E.g. fruits, milk, lollies & sugary drinks.
What is a ‘complex’ carbohydrate?
Carbohydrates that take longer to digest than simple carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar and a feeling of fullness for a longer period. E.g. starchy vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and legumes.
What is the function of protein?
- To build, maintain and repair body cells.
- To act as a fuel for producing energy.
What are some protein food sources?
Rich sources of animal protein include:
- Eggs, milk, cheese, beef, chicken, fish & seafood.
Rich sources of plant protein include:
- Soy products, legumes, nuts, wholegrain cereals & brown rice.
What are proteins broken down into?
Proteins are broken down into essential and
non-essential amino acids.
What are the three kinds of proteins?
- Complete
- Incomplete
- Complementary
What is a ‘complete’ protein? Food sources?
They contain all 9 of the essential amino acids in the quantities required for growth, repair and replacement of body cells. E.g. meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
What is an ‘incomplete’ protein? Food sources?
These need to be eaten with other protein sources to ensure that all 9 required amino acids are consumed. E.g. grains, nuts and vegetables.
What is a ‘complementary’ protein? Food sources?
A combination of two or more plant-based foods that, when eaten together, provide all nine essential amino acids, creating a complete protein source. E.g. beans and rice together provide a complete protein source.
What is the function of fats?
- To act as a fuel for energy
- Required for the development and maintenance of cell membranes.
What are the 4 different types of fat?
- Monounsaturated
- Polyunsaturated
- Saturated
- Trans
What are the functions of unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated)?
- Considered the ‘good fats’.
- They carry out the necessary functions of fats
- Reducing levels of cholesterol, supporting brain
function and promoting the health of the heart and blood vessels. - Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats also promote the elasticity of the blood vessels and prevent blood clots, which can decrease the risk of heart
attack and stroke.
What are some ‘monounsaturated’ fat food sources?
Olive oil, avocado, canola oil, peanuts & cashews.
What are the 2 types of polyunsaturated fats?
What are some ‘polyunsaturated’ fat food sources?
Two types:
1. Omega-3
2. Omega-6
Food sources:
1. Omega-3 — fish, trout, sardines, tuna and salmon.
2. Omega-6 — mainly nuts such as walnuts, seeds, and oil made from corn, safflower and soy.
What are the functions of saturated fats
(saturated and trans)?
- Considered the ‘bad fats’
- Increase cholesterol levels in the blood
- Contribute to cardiovascular disease
- Interfere with cell membranes and contribute to high blood glucose levels.
- Potentially lead to type 2 diabetes.
What are some ‘saturated’ fat food sources?
Full-cream milk, cream and cheese, some fried takeaway food and fatty meat.
What are some ‘trans’ fat food sources?
Pies, pastries and cakes
What is the function of fibre?
- Provides a feeling of fullness
- Aids in digestion
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Absorbs water
- Prevents constipation
What are some food sources of fibre?
- bran
- wholemeal bread
- grains and seeds
- fruit and vegetables