Nutrition What Nutrients Does Your Body Need? Chapter 3.1

Nutrients  Chemical substance in food that gives your body what it needs to grow and function properly.

6 general types of Nutrients  Carbohydrates  Fats  Protein  Minerals  Vitamins  Water

Nutrient Chart Fill in Nutrient Chart handout using Chapter 3.1 in your textbook.

Carbohydrates

Simple vs. Complex Simple Carbs  Simple to digest, basic sugars with little value for the body.  Pop, candy, white bread, white potatoes, baked goods. Complex Carbs  Longer series of sugars that take more time for the body to break down.  Whole grains, fruit and vegetables.  Higher the fiber more complex

Glucose  The preferred source of energy for your brain and central nervous system.  Powers your brain, enabling you to concentrate and pay attention in class  Your body breaks down carbs into glucose to obtain energy.

Fiber  A tough complex carbohydrate that the body is unable to digest.  Found in plant-based foods: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  Prevents overeating.

Protein

Amino Acids  Smaller chemical units that make up protein. There are 9 essential amino acids  Complete protein – all 9 essential amino acids: meat, eggs, fish, dairy.  Incomplete protein – lacks one or more essential amino acids: seeds, nuts, grains.

Fats

Why you need FAT  Supplies energy to the body when food is unavailable.  Acts as a cushion to protect internal organs.  Provides a layer of insulation

The “bad” FAT Saturated  Found in animal- based food.  Associated with high cholesterol.  Linked to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes Trans fats  Processed foods: partially hydrogenated oils.

Cholesterol  A waxy, fatlike substance that is found in foods from animal sources.  Too much cholesterol increases risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Vitamins

Types of Vitamins Water-soluble  Dissolves in water  Used immediately  Vitamin C and the B vitamins Fat-Soluble  Dissolves in body fat and stored for later use.  Long-term  Vitamins A, D, E, and K

Minerals

Lack of Minerals  Osteoporosis – bones become fragile due to lack of calcium.  Anemia – lack of iron causes weakness, fatigue, and headaches.

Water

How water helps you  Maintains normal temperature  Cushions and lubricates your joints  Gets rid of waste  Moves oxygen, nutrients, wastes throughout the body.