chapter 1 nutrition wcjc richards biol 1322

What is nutrition?

The scientific study of nutrients and how the body uses them.

What is a diet?

A person's usual pattern of food choices.

What is food?

any material that contains nutrients

What are nutrients?

Life-sustaining chemicals found in food necessary for proper body functioning.

What are the leading causes of death related to poor eating habits?

Heart disease, some types of cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

What can reduce the chances of developing chronic diseases?

A nutritious diet plus regular exercise.

What is chemistry

study of the composition and characteristics of

matter and changes that can occur to it

What is a cell?

smallest unit of life

What is metabolism?

The total of all chemical processes that occur in living cells.

What are the six classes of nutrients?

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

How much do the different classes of nutrients make up the body?

Water: 60%, Lipids: 20%, Protein: 15%, Mineral: 5%, Carbs are less than 1%

What defines an essential nutrient?

A nutrient that must be supplied by food and is not synthesized by the body.

What happens if an essential nutrient is missing from the diet?

A deficiency disease occurs, and signs of ill health appear.

What are phytochemicals?

Substances found in plants that are not classified as nutrients but may be beneficial to health.

What are antioxidants?

Substances that protect cells from damage or destruction.

What is the purpose of dietary supplements?

To increase total intake of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other plant products.

What factors influence health?

Lifestyle, dietary practices, physical activity, genetics, environmental conditions, and psychological factors.

What is the Healthy People 2030 initiative?

A report that includes national health promotion and disease prevention objectives.

What is the main nutrition-related goal of Healthy People 2030?

To improve health by promoting healthy eating and making nutritious foods available.

What units of measure are commonly used in nutrition?

Length in meters, weight in grams, and volume in liters.

What is a kilocalorie?

A measure of food energy, specifically the heat energy needed to raise the temperature of 1000 g of water by 1 degree Celsius.

How is a kilocalorie abbreviated?

kcal

How many calories are in 1 gram of carbohydrate or protein?

About 4 kcal

How many calories are in 1 gram of fat?

About 9 kcal

How many calories are in 1 gram of pure alcohol?

7 kcal

What are macronutrients?

Classes of nutrients that provide energy and are needed in relatively large amounts by the body, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

What are micronutrients?

Nutrients needed in relatively small amounts by the body that do not supply energy, including vitamins and minerals.

What is the significance of variety in a diet?

Choosing a variety of foods from each food group can help ensure the nutritional adequacy of a diet.

What does it mean that there are no 'good' or 'bad' foods?

All foods have nutritional value; the focus should be on moderation and nutrient density.

What is moderation in nutrition?

Obtaining adequate amounts of nutrients while balancing calorie intake with calorie expenditure.

What is a physiological dose?

The amount of a nutrient that is within the range of safe intake and enables the body to function optimally.

What is a megadose?

An amount of a vitamin or mineral that greatly exceeds the recommended amount, which can produce unpleasant or toxic side effects.

Why is food considered the best source of nutrients?

Dietary supplements should not be considered substitutes for nutrient-dense foods; whole and minimally processed foods are the most reliable sources.

What does 'one size fits all' mean in nutrition?

There is no universal approach to planning a nutritionally adequate diet; it must be individualized based on nutrient needs, preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

What is malnutrition?

A state of health that occurs when the body is improperly nourished, which can result from inadequate or excessive amounts of nutrients.

What is the difference between undernutrition and overnutrition?

Undernutrition results from insufficient nutrient intake, while overnutrition results from excessive energy or nutrient intake, often leading to obesity.

How does nutrition evolve as a science?

Nutrition information constantly changes as new research is conducted and reviewed by experts, influencing dietary practices and recommendations.

What are empty calories?

Energy supplied by unhealthy solid fats, added sugars, and/or alcohol, which provide little nutritional value.

What are nutrient-dense foods?

Foods that contain more key beneficial nutrients in relation to their total calories.

What is energy density in food?

The amount of energy (calories) contained in a given weight of food; energy-dense foods contain lots of energy relative to their weight.