Nutrition

Nutrition Definition The process by which the body takes in and uses food Benefits Gives you energy Helps you to stay mentally alert Helps prevent chronic disease

Nutrients Definition Substances in food that your body needs to function properly to grow, repair itself, and supply you with energy. 6 Basic Nutrients Carbohydrates Proteins Fats Vitamins Minerals Water

Hunger VS. Appetite Hunger Appetite Natural drive that protects you from starvation Inborn response Appetite Desire, rather than a need, to eat Learned response

Nutrition - FYI Top 3 ways in which food is advertised to the public Television Magazines Billboards Top 2 factors that influence food shopping decisions Taste Nutrition Top 2 types of foods that people choose today Microwavable Convenience

Starches and sugars found in foods Carbohydrates Definition Starches and sugars found in foods Types Simple Carbohydrates: sugars, present naturally in fruits, some vegetables and milk Complex Carbohydrates: Starches, found in rice and other grains, seeds, and nuts

Glucose: simple sugar and the body’s chief fuel Carbohydrates Related Terms Glucose: simple sugar and the body’s chief fuel Glycogen: glucose that is not used right away and is stored in the liver and muscles Fiber: found in tough stringy part of vegetables, fruits, and grains. Cannot be digested

Proteins Definition Nutrients that help build and maintain body tissues. Types Complete Proteins: foods that contain all the essential amino acids that the body needs and in the proper amounts Incomplete Proteins: Foods that lack some of the essential amino acids

Proteins Related Terms Amino Acids: substances that make up body proteins. There are a total of 20 Essential Amino Acids: amino acids that must come from the foods you eat. Your body does not make them. 9 of the 20 are essential

Fats Definition Your body needs fat. Fats represent the most concentrated form of energy available Types Saturated Fats: animal fats and tropical oils Unsaturated Fats: vegetable fats including olive oil and canola oil

Fats Related Terms Linoleic Acid: fatty acid not made in the body but which is essential for growth and healthy skin Cholesterol: fatlike substance produced in the liver of all animals and therefore found only in foods of animal origin

vitamins Definition Compounds that help regulate many vital body processes, including the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of other nutrients Types Water Soluble: not stored in the body, include vitamin C and vitamins in the B complex Fat Soluble: stored in the body’s fat tissue, include vitamins A, D, E, and K

Minerals Definition Inorganic substances that the body cannot manufacture but that act as catalysts, regulating many vital body processes 3 functions of calcium 1. Gives structure to bones 2. Helps develop & maintain bone strength 3. Aids in blood clotting

The nutrient that makes up 60% of your body. You need 6-8 cups a day. Water Definition The nutrient that makes up 60% of your body. You need 6-8 cups a day. 3 functions of water Carries nutrients to and transports waste from cells Lubricates joints and mucous membranes Enables you to swallow and digest foods

Reading Food Labels Labels Include: Serving size Calories (calories from fat) Nutrients Percent Daily Values

Food Label Lingo If the Label Says: It Means: Fat Free Less than 0.5 grams of fat Lean Less than 10 grams of fat Light At least 1/3 fewer calories or no more than 1/2 the fat of the regular product