foods 1 keyterms

Amino acids

The building blocks of all proteins; they contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen

Carbohydrates

Nutrients made of carbon and hydrogen, sources of energy for your body

Complete proteins

Proteins that contain adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids

Empty calorie

Describes foods that are high in calories and low in other nutrients; also known as nutrient-poor foods

Fats

Nutrients used for energy, nerve function, and other functions

Fatty acids

Chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms that are part of all fats and oils

Free radicals

A highly reactive substance, produced by oxidation, that can cause cell damage

Glucose

The simple sugar that our bodies use for energy

Incomplete proteins

Proteins that do not contain adequate amount of all nine essential amino acids

Lipids

A group of nutrients including fats, oils, and other molecules that do not easily dissolve in water

Macronutrients

Nutrients that are required in large amounts to provide energy

Malnutrition

A condition in which a person’s diet is inadequate to meet a minimum daily requirements for nutrients

Micronutrients

Nutrients required in small amounts

Nutrient dense

Describes foods that are relatively low in calories and high in a variety of nutrients

Proteins

Nutrients necessary for growth and repair of cells, as well as other functions