Nutrition Basics and Scientific Method

What is food defined as?

A plant or animal product that is ingested, digested, and absorbed by the body.

What are the two groups of essential nutrients?

Macronutrients and Micronutrients.

What are the three macronutrients?

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

What is nutrient density?

A measure of the nutrients provided by food relative to its caloric content.

Why are high nutrient density foods important?

They help reduce chronic disease risks.

Give an example of a nutrient-dense food compared to a less nutrient-dense food.

Low-fat milk is more nutrient-dense than sweetened iced tea.

What nutritional role does water play?

Water is vital for health and serves as a medium for chemical reactions, but it does not provide energy.

What are phytochemicals?

Compounds in plants that provide health benefits beyond essential nutrients.

What is the definition of malnutrition?

A condition caused by excess or deficient nutrient intake.

What factors influence food choices?

Biological drives (hunger, hormones) and personal preferences (cultural, social factors).

What are the components of a healthy diet?

Variety, balance, moderation, and focus on nutrient-dense foods.

What is the scientific method?

A systematic process involving observation, questioning, hypothesis, experimentation, data analysis, conclusion, and publication.

What distinguishes a hypothesis from a theory?

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation based on observation; a theory is a formal explanation supported by extensive experimentation.

Why is the peer review process important?

It ensures that study methods, data collection, analyses, and conclusions are sound and unbiased.

What is the role of Registered Dietitians (RDs)?

They are primary authorities on nutrition and undergo extensive training compared to less formal nutrition educators.