12/26 Carbohydrates, Sugars, and Metabolic Health

A collection of 40 flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to carbohydrates, sugars, and their effects on metabolic health.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made from carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; a major source of energy for the body.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood.

Fructose

A simple sugar found in many plants, notably in fruits; a significant source of calories in the American diet.

De Novo Lipogenesis (DNL)

The metabolic pathway through which organisms convert excess carbohydrates into fatty acids.

Triglycerides

A type of fat (lipid) found in your blood, which the body uses for energy.

Fatty Liver Disease

A condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver, potentially leading to inflammation and liver damage.

Hierarchy of Fuel Use

The preferential order in which the body utilizes different macronutrients for energy, with carbohydrates being prioritized over fats.

Postprandial

Referring to the period after eating a meal, particularly in relation to blood sugar levels.

Visceral Fat

Fat stored within the abdominal cavity, which is associated with various metabolic issues.

Subcutaneous Fat

Fat stored under the skin, considered less harmful than visceral fat.

Metabolic Health

A state of well-being characterized by optimal functioning of the body’s metabolic processes.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

A sweetener made from corn starch that contains high levels of fructose, commonly used in processed foods.

Glycogen

A form of stored glucose, primarily found in the liver and muscles.

Lipogenesis

The process of converting excess carbohydrates or protein into fatty acids for storage.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required by the body in large amounts, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Ethanol

A type of alcohol that is metabolized into acetate in the liver.

Acetate

A byproduct of ethanol metabolism that can be utilized by cells for energy.

Insulin Resistance

A condition where cells in your body don’t respond well to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter cells.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

A liver condition not caused by alcohol but linked to obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Caloric Surplus

Consuming more calories than the body expends, leading to weight gain.

Caloric Deficit

Burning more calories than consumed, leading to weight loss.

Fiber

A type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest, found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Processed Foods

Foods that have been altered in some way during preparation, often high in sugars and unhealthy fats.

Sugar Intake

The amount of sugar consumed, which can impact metabolic health.

Sweetness of Fructose

Fructose is sweeter than glucose and sucrose, making it a preferred sweetener in foods.

LDL Cholesterol

Low-Density Lipoprotein, often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease.

HDL Cholesterol

High-Density Lipoprotein, often referred to as 'good' cholesterol, which helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Acute Effects of Sugar

Immediate physiological responses in the body after consuming sugar-rich foods.

Chronic Effects of Sugar

Long-term health impacts resulting from consistent high sugar consumption.

Insulin Hypothesis

The theory that high insulin levels contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders.

Glucose Metabolism

The process by which the body converts glucose into energy.

Nutrient Competition

The phenomenon where different nutrients compete for absorption and utilization during digestion.

Weight Gain

An increase in body weight, often resulting from excess caloric intake.

Dietary Patterns

The habitual consumption of various foods and drinks, which can affect health.

Anthropometry

The scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body.

Oxidation

The process of burning macronutrients to produce energy.

Populations at Risk

Groups of individuals who are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of certain dietary patterns, such as those with fatty liver disease.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, often associated with metabolic syndrome and excess body fat.

Caloric Density

The amount of calories present in a given volume or weight of food.

Community Studies

Research conducted within specific populations to understand health patterns and behaviors.

Clinical Trials

Controlled studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of medical interventions.

Cohort Study

A research design that follows a group of people over time to see how their exposures affect their outcomes.

Epidemiology

The branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases.

Behavioral Interventions

Strategies designed to encourage positive dietary changes and improve health outcomes.