Taking Charge of Your Health… Nutritional Needs Taking Charge of Your Health…

Nutrition Definitions Nutrient A chemical substance in food that helps maintain the body. (6 Groups) Deficiency Failure to meet your needs.

Carbohydrates Chief source of energy!! Helps body digest fats. Types… Simple Carbohydrates Complex Carbohydrates Sources Sugar, Fiber, Starch (Breads, Cereals)

Fats Types (based on amount of hydrogen) Carries fat-soluble vitamins. Saturated (Bad Fats) Unsaturated (Good Fats) Carries fat-soluble vitamins. Insulates the body Sources Butter, egg yolks, bacon, etc.

Fat in the Body Cholesterol Connected to Fat nutrient. Found in every cell. Part of skin tissue. Aids in transportation of fatty acids. Needed to protect hormones. Your body makes all that you need…you do not need to ingest cholesterol as part of a healthy diet!

Proteins Builds and repairs tissues. Made up of Amino Acids 20 total Amino Acids 9 are “Essential Amino Acids” Extreme Deficiency – Kwashiorkor Symptoms: Stunted growth, bulging abdomen (Can lead to death). NOT COMMON IN MOST INDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS!

Protein Cont. Types Complete Protein (Has all 9 Essential) Sources: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs Incomplete Protein (Missing 1 or more) Sources: Grains, peanuts, legumes

Vitamins Fat-Soluble – Dissolves in Fat Builds up in body. Can reach dangerous levels. (NOT COMMON) Vitamins A, D, E, K Water-Soluble – Dissolves in Water Body does not store. Need daily intake. Vitamin C and B-Complex Vitamins

Minerals Makes up 4% of body weight. Becomes part of the bones, tissues, and body fluids. Types Macrominerals Calcium, Sodium, Chlorine, Magnesium Microminerals (Trace Elements) Iron, Iodine, Zinc

Water Aids in proper digestion. Helps cell growth and maintenance. Lubricates joints and body cells. Helps regulate body temperature.