Components of Food

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapter Two: Components of Food.

Food

The basic requirement of all living organisms, consisting of chemical substances needed to obtain energy, grow, and remain healthy.

Nutrients

Chemical substances present in food that living organisms need for energy, growth, and remaining healthy.

Nutrition

The intake of nutrients in food, or the study of the role of different components of the diet of a living organism.

Balanced diet

A diet that provides an adequate intake of the nutrients essential for maintaining health and growth.

Components of food

The essential constituents present in food, which include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.

Carbohydrates

Energy-giving compounds that make up the bulk of human food, mainly occurring in the form of sugar and starch.

Enzymes

Substances that help break down food in the body in several steps at $31\,^\circ\text{C}$ to release energy.

Starch

The main carbohydrate obtained from rice, wheat, and cereals, formed by chemically joining together many sugar molecules.

Polymer

A substance, such as starch, made by chemically joining together many smaller molecules like sugar.