Nutrients

What are the four main steps of digestion?

Ingestion, Digestion, Absorption, Egestion.

Define digestion.

The physical and chemical breakdown of complex food molecules into smaller molecules.

What are the six essential nutrients needed for human health?

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, water, vitamins, and minerals.

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

Main source of energy for humans.

What are monosaccharides?

The most basic form of carbohydrates, absorbed as sugars.

What role do proteins play in the body?

Building and repairing tissues, regulating body functions, and providing energy.

What are essential amino acids?

The amino acids that must be obtained from food sources.

What is the role of fats in the body?

Provide concentrated energy, help absorb vitamins, and maintain cell membranes.

What are triglycerides?

Fats composed of three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol molecule.

What is egestion?

The removal of waste food materials from the body.

How are carbohydrates stored in the body?

In the liver and muscle tissue as glycogen.

What happens to food during digestion?

It must be broken down into absorbable nutrients.

What types of carbohydrates are there?

Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

What do lipids help absorb?

Vitamins.

What are the health risks associated with excess lipids?

Heart disease and obesity.

What macromolecules must be in the smallest units for absorption?

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.