Overview of Macronutrient Digestion and Absorption Flashcards
(32 cards)
What factors influence food choices?
Personal preferences, cultural traditions, social influences, convenience, economics, and psychological factors.
How do personal preferences affect food choices?
Individuals tend to choose foods they enjoy, influenced by taste, texture, and past experiences.
What role does culture play in food choices?
Cultural background dictates traditional foods, cooking methods, and eating rituals.
How do social influences impact food choices?
Family, friends, and societal norms can encourage or discourage certain eating habits.
Why is convenience a significant factor in food selection?
Busy lifestyles often lead individuals to opt for quick and easy meal options.
How does economics affect food choices?
Budget constraints can limit access to a variety of foods, influencing dietary patterns.
What psychological factors influence eating behaviors?
Emotions, stress, and mental health can lead to overeating or undereating.
What are the six major classes of nutrients?
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water
Which nutrients provide energy?
Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
What is the primary function of carbohydrates?
To provide a quick and readily available source of energy.
What role do proteins play in the body?
Essential for growth, tissue repair, immune function, and enzyme production.
Why are fats important in the diet?
Provide energy, support cell function, and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
What are vitamins necessary for?
Regulating body processes and supporting immune function.
How do minerals contribute to health?
Involved in bone health, nerve transmission, and muscle function.
What is digestion?
The process of breaking down food into smaller components for absorption.
Where does digestion begin?
In the mouth, where enzymes start breaking down carbohydrates.
What is the role of the stomach in digestion?
Secretes acid and enzymes to further break down food into a semi-liquid form.
How does the small intestine contribute to digestion?
Primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption.
What is peristalsis?
The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
What is bile’s function in digestion?
Produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, bile emulsifies fats for easier digestion.
What enzymes are involved in carbohydrate digestion?
Amylase breaks down starches into sugars.
How are proteins digested?
Proteases break down proteins into amino acids in the stomach and small intestine.
What is the role of lipase in digestion?
Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
What is nutrient absorption?
The process by which digested nutrients pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
