Nutrition

NutritionDefinition

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

DefinitionSubstances in food that your body needs to

function properly to grow, repair itself, and supply you with energy.

6 Basic Nutrients Carbohydrates Proteins

Fats VitaminsMinerals Water

Hunger VS. AppetiteHunger

• Natural drive that protects you from starvation

• Inborn response

Appetite• Desire, rather than a

need, to eat

• Learned response

Nutrition - FYITop 3 ways in which food is advertised to the public

1. Television2. Magazines3. Billboards

Top 2 factors that influence food shopping decisions1. Taste

2. Nutrition

Top 2 types of foods that people choose today1. Microwavable2. Convenience

CarbohydratesDefinition

Starches and sugars found in foods

TypesSimple Carbohydrates: sugars, present naturally in

fruits, some vegetables and milk

Complex Carbohydrates: Starches, found in rice and

other grains, seeds, and nuts

CarbohydratesRelated 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

ProteinsDefinition

Nutrients that help build and maintain body tissues.

TypesComplete 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

ProteinsRelated 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

FatsDefinition

Your body needs fat. Fats represent the most concentrated form of energy available

TypesSaturated Fats: animal fats and tropical oils

Unsaturated Fats: vegetable fats including olive oil and canola oil

FatsRelated 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

vitaminsDefinition

Compounds that help regulate many vital body processes, including the digestion, absorption,

and metabolism of other nutrients

TypesWater 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

MineralsDefinition

Inorganic substances that the body cannot manufacture but that act as catalysts, regulating many vital body processes

3 functions of calcium1. Gives structure to bones2. Helps develop & maintain

bone strength3. Aids in blood clotting

Water

DefinitionThe nutrient that makes up 60% of your

body. You need 6-8 cups a day.

3 functions of water1. Carries nutrients to and transports waste from cells2. Lubricates joints and mucous membranes3. 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