Nutrition Basics: Macro- and Micro- Nutrients

These flashcards cover key concepts related to nutrition, focusing on both macronutrients and micronutrients, dietary guidelines, and the importance of understanding food labels.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large amounts, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, that provide energy and support bodily functions.

Micronutrients

Nutrients required in smaller amounts, including vitamins and minerals, essential for various physiological functions.

Calories

A unit of measure that indicates the amount of energy obtained from a particular food.

Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)

A set of reference values used to plan and assess nutrient intakes for healthy people.

RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)

The daily intake level of a nutrient considered adequate to meet the needs of 97-98% of healthy individuals.

MyPlate

A visual representation of dietary guidelines and food groups intended to help people create balanced meals.

Nutrient-dense foods

Foods that provide vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial components relative to their calorie content.

Essential Nutrients

Nutrients that the body cannot synthesize on its own and must be obtained through diet, including certain amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Health Claim

A statement on food labels that describes a relationship between a food substance and health effects.

Food Label

A panel of nutrition information provided on packaged foods, including serving sizes, calories, and nutrient information.

Calories per gram for protein

4 calories per gram.

Calories per gram for carbohydrates

4 calories per gram.

Calories per gram for fats

9 calories per gram.

Water

An essential macronutrient that constitutes 50-70% of the human body by weight, with general recommendations of approximately 9-13 cups daily for adults.

Vitamins

Essential organic compounds that promote metabolism, growth, and reproduction, can be water-soluble or fat-soluble.

Minerals

Inorganic, indestructible elements that aid physiological processes and build body structures.