Nutrition

The science that studies how nutrient and compounds in food nourish the body and affect body
functions and overall health

Good Nutrition

• Reduces the risk of the leading causes of death

• Helps prevent harmful diseases and conditions

• Reduces the risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure

How nutrition affects health

Compounds in foods that sustain body processes

• Building blocks

• Energy

Six classifications of nutrients found in food and in the body.

• Carbohydrates

• Fats (lipids)

• Proteins

• Vitamins

• Minerals

• Water

Carbohyrates

 Body's main source of energy

 Supply glucose

• Primary source of energy for several body cell types

- Red blood cells

- Brain cells
Lipids

 Fats (triglycerides), oils, phospholipids, and sterols

 Insoluble in water
 energy, body structure, and regulate body processes

Triglycerides

• Source of energy during rest and sleep

• Storage form for excess energy

- Adipose tissue beneath the skin and around several organs

• Found in margarine, butter, oils, and animal products

Proteins

 Can be used as energy, but not usually the primary source

 Contain nitrogen and some contain sulfur
 Make amino acids, the basic building blocks

• Used to synthesize, grow, and maintain tissue

 Primary source of tissues in muscle, bones, and skin

 Participate as neurotransmitters
 Play a role in the immune system
 Act as enzymes

• Catalysts and control chemical reactions

Vitamins and Minerals

 Do not provide energy

 Involved in numerous key functions in the body
• Metabolism regulation

• Function as coenzymes

- Substances that facilitate the activity of enzymes

• Essential to the structure and function of hard and soft tissues Deficiencies

• Fatigue

• Stunted growth

• Weak bones

• Organ damage
Water

 Makes up the majority of all body fluid

 Part of every cell in the body
 Key body functions

• Essential during metabolism

• Digestion and absorption

- Transport medium that delivers nutrients and oxygen to cells and excretes waste
products through urine

• Maintenance of body temperature

• Lubricant for joints, eyes, mouth, and intestinal tract

• Cushions vital organs

 Cannot be stored, must replenish daily

Organic Nutrients

 Contain carbon or carbon-carbon bonds.

 Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and vitamins are organic nutrients

Inorganic Nutrients

 Minerals and water do not contain carbon and are classified as inorganic compounds

Three energy nutrients

 Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are referred to as the three energy-yielding nutrients because
they provide your body with energy that is measured in calories.

Essential nutrients

• Must be consumed from food

• Cannot be made in the body in sufficient quantities to meet its needs and to support health

Nonessential nutrients

• Can be made in sufficient quantities in the body to meet the body's requirements and to
support health
Non-nutrient source of energy

 Alcohol

Primary Roles of the Individual Nutrients

• Supply energy

• Regulate metabolism

• Provide structure

Macronutrients

• Nutrients the body needs in large amounts

• Include the energy-containing carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and water

Micronutrients

• Essential nutrients the body needs in smaller amounts

• Vitamins and minerals

Nutrient

 Compounds in food that the body requires for proper growth, maintenance, and functioning

Nutrient dense

• Measurement of the nutrients in a food compared to the kilocalorie content

• High in nutrients and low in kilocalories

• Provide more nutrients per kilocalorie

• Low in fat and added sugar