Nutrition

Nutrition

The process of obtaining and using food and nutrients to support health and body functions.

Humans Select Food via the Senses

Humans choose foods based on smell, sight, taste/flavor, and feel.

Metabolism

The process by which the body converts food into energy.

Energy Balance

The relationship between nutrient intake and the body's energy demands.

Calorie (cal)

The amount of energy needed to raise 1 gram of water by 1°C.

Kilocalorie (kcal)

The amount of energy needed to raise 1 kilogram of water by 1°C; commonly called a calorie in nutrition.

Macronutrients

Nutrients needed in large amounts that provide most of the body's energy.

Carbohydrates

Macronutrients that provide the body's main source of energy.

Protein

A macronutrient important for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.

Fats (Lipids)

Macronutrients that provide energy, support cell function, and help absorb certain vitamins.

Glucose

A simple sugar produced when carbohydrates are broken down during digestion.

Simple Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates that are digested quickly and raise blood sugar rapidly.

Complex Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates that are digested more slowly and provide longer-lasting energy.

Glycemic Index (GI)

A ranking system that measures how quickly carbohydrate foods raise blood sugar levels.

High Glycemic Index Foods

Foods that are rapidly digested and can cause hunger to return more quickly.

Low Glycemic Index Foods

Foods that digest slowly and help people feel full longer.

Amino Acids

The building blocks that make up proteins.

Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that cannot be produced by the body and must come from food.

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that the body can produce on its own.

Conditional Amino Acids

Amino acids needed from the diet during special conditions such as illness or intense training.

Protein Functions

Provide structure and growth, support immune function, transport substances, and help create enzymes and hormones.

Carbohydrate Functions

Provide energy for the brain and nervous system and help protect muscle protein during exercise.

Fat Functions

Store energy, support cell membranes, absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, and increase feelings of fullness.

Saturated Fats

Fats that raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.

Unsaturated Fats

Fats mainly from plant sources that support growth and tissue maintenance.

LDL Cholesterol

Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, often called "bad" cholesterol.

Protein Energy Value

Provides 4 kcal per gram.

Carbohydrate Energy Value

Provides 4 kcal per gram.

Fat Energy Value

Provides 9 kcal per gram.

Micronutrients

Nutrients needed in small amounts for health, growth, and body functions.

Vitamins

Essential nutrients required for normal body function that the body cannot make in sufficient amounts.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K that are absorbed with fat and stored in body tissues.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin C and B vitamins that are absorbed in water and not stored in large amounts.

Vitamin A

A fat-soluble vitamin important for health and body function.

Vitamin D

A fat-soluble vitamin important for health and body function.

Vitamin E

A fat-soluble vitamin important for health and body function.

Vitamin K

A fat-soluble vitamin important for health and body function.

Vitamin C

A water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and supports the immune system.

B Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins that help metabolize proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Antioxidant

A substance that helps protect cells from damage.

Toxicity

A harmful condition that can occur when excessive amounts of certain vitamins are stored in the body.