The Importance of Nutrition

Nutrition

The process by which your body takes in and uses food

Nutrients

Substances in food that your body needs to grow, to repair itself, and to supply you with energy

Calories

A unit of heat used to measure the energy your body uses and the energy it receives from food

Osteoporosis

A condition in which the bones become fragile and break easily

Hunger

The natural physical drive to eat, prompted by the body's need for food

Appetite

The psychological desire for foodS

Food and Emotions

Mindless eating; eating if your body does not need food or in response to an emotional need

Food and Your Environment

Environmental influences; the people and things around you affect what you choose to eat

Family and Culture

If your family eats most meals at home, this will influence where you prefer to eat

Friends

Your friends may influence you to try new foods, including those from other culture

Time and Money

People with busy schedules may choose foods that are quick and easy to prepare, such as convenience foods and microwaveable meals; for other people and families, the cost of food may also be a factor

Advertising

Advertisers try to influence your food choices; they hope that an ad for a juicy hamburger will send you running to visit the nearest fast food restaurant

Carbohydrates

Starches and sugars found in foods which provide your body's main source of energy

Simple Carbohydrates

Sugars; in addition to glucose, these include fructose and lactose. They are the main source of fuel for your body

Complex carbohydrates

Starches, are long chains of sugars that are linked togethe

Fiber

A tough, complex, carbohydrate that the body cannot diges

Proteins

Nutrients the body uses to build and maintain its cells and tissues

Amino Acids

Chemicals that make up proteins

Essential Amino Acids

The body must get them from food

Complete Proteins

Meat, eggs, and dairy from soy; they contain all nine essential amino acids

Incomplete Proteins

Plant sources; usually missing one or more of the essential amino acids

Fats

Dietary fats are composed of fatty acid

Saturated Fats

Consuming too many saturated fats may increase your risk of heart disease

Unsaturated Fats

When this type of fat is eaten in moderate amounts, it can lower your risk of heart disease

Trans Fats

They become more saturated as they harden; can raise your total blood cholesterol level, which can increase the risk for heart disease

Vitamins

Compounds found in food that help regulate many body processes

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Your body stores these vitamins, and consuming large amounts of them can become harmful

Water Soluble Vitamins

Dissolve in water and pass easily into the bloodstream during digestion

Minerals

Elements found in food that are used by the body

Water

Essential for body functions like moving food through the digestive system, digesting carbohydrates and proteins, transporting nutrients and removing wastes, storing and releasing heat, cooling the body, cushioning the eyes, brain, and spinal cord, and lubricating the joints