Summative 1 Flashcards
Six basic nutrients
Protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Must come from food because body cannot make enough of them
Essential nutrients
Compounds body requires to perform basic functions and grow
Macronutrients
These are the primary building blocks of your diet and provide your body with energy. They’re needed in large amounts. Macros comprise protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
Micronutrients
These include vitamins and minerals. Small doses go a long way in supporting the health of your immune system, cells, and metabolism, among others.
Protein
Body’s building blocks and supports every cell. Primarily used for growth, health, and body maintenance. All hormones, antibodies, and important substances use protein. Body does not use protein as fuel unless necessary. Protein consists of different amino acids and many essential ones only come from food. Variety is needed for body to function properly. Body can create complete proteins from the foods eaten everyday.
Protein sources and examples
Can come from a variety of animal and plant-based sources. Eggs, meat, fish, dairy products, beans, legumes, and nuts are examples.
How much protein needed?
Protein should make up 10% to 30% of your daily calories. That said, the amount of protein you need daily will depend on several factors, such as your age and activity level.
How much of carbs should be total calories?
45 to 65%
Carbohydrates
Key energy source for fueling your body and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
The two main types of carbs
Complex: These types of carbs fit a well-balanced diet. They take longer to digest and don’t cause as big of a blood sugar spike, which is an important factor if you’re living with diabetes.
Simple: These carbs are digested quickly and cause rapid blood sugar spikes.
Carbs to eat
- fruits
- vegetables
- whole grains
- beans
- legumes
Carbs to limit
- refined grains
- candy
- pastries
- sugar-sweetened drinks
- soda
- added sugars
Fats
Important compounds that help your body absorb key vitamins and minerals. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that 20% to 35% of your daily calories come from fat, but the World Health Organization suggests keeping it under 30%
Different types of fats
Unsaturated fats are important for your body because they provide essential fatty acids your body can’t make. These fats are found in foods like nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and some vegetable oils. Saturated fats, on the other hand, may increase your LDL “bad” cholesterol if you are consuming too much. They are present in animal-based foods like butter, cheese, red meat, and ice cream, as well as baked goods. Too much saturated fat can increase your risk for heart disease. Replace saturated fat with unsaturated fat.
* The Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat to less than 10 percent of calories per day.
For example, if you need 2,000 calories a day, you should have no more than 200 calories from saturated fat, which is 22 grams (about the amount in 3 tablespoons of butter). *
Vitamins
Play a key role in supporting basic bodily functions. Vitamins are found in all kinds of foods, including fruits, vegetables, animal products, and whole grains. Eating a well-balanced diet can help ensure you get enough vitamins in your diet. If you think you have a vitamin deficiency, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They may recommend taking vitamin supplements.
Different types of vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are stored in fat after absorption and play a key role in bone, vision, blood, and immune health.Water-soluble vitamins, including vitamins C and B complex, are harder to absorb but play important roles in growth and heart, skin, and nerve health.
What happens if you do not get enough vitamins?
Not getting enough vitamins may cause health problems and disease.
Minerals
Minerals help support the body. They’re essential for many body functions, including building strong bones and teeth, regulating your metabolism, and staying properly hydrated.
Most important minerals
calcium
phosphorus
potassium
sodium chloride
magnesium
iron
zinc
iodine
chromium
copper
fluoride
molybdenum
manganese
selenium
These are available in a wide variety of animal and plant-based foods that make up a well-balanced diet, such as meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Water
Water is crucial for every system in your body, and it’s the main thing you’re made of. On average, 60%Trusted Source of your body weight is water.
Health benefits of water
Protecting your nerves and joints
Maintaining your body temperature
Clearing your body from toxins
May also help prevent dehydration, which could cause constipation, headaches, and fatigue, among other symptoms.
Healthy water sources
Plain drinking water is the best water source, but some low sugar, low fat beverages may also help keep you hydrated. Fruits and vegetables high in water may also contribute to your daily water needs.
To know if you’re properly hydrated, look at the color and volume of your urine. If your urine isn’t frequent and pale yellow or nearly clear, you probably need more water.
What important mineral is found in all foods in the dairy group?
Calcium
Milk is the only food that contains calcium. True or False?
False