The Wacky World of Nutrition

Does the idea of nutrition scare you?

Nutrients nourish the body in 3 main ways 1. Provide energy 2. Build, repair, and maintain body tissue 3. Regulate body processes There are more than 40 different nutrients and they are grouped into 6 categories.

Carbohydrates Body’s Favorite Source of Energy Two categories Complex: Whole Grains, Pasta, Potatoes Burns slow Longer lasting energy

Complex Carbohydrates Includes Fiber Fiber: Indigestible substance found in peels and woody parts of plants. Helps with digestion process Helps protect from heart disease Provides “bulk” – feel full

Carbohydrates Simple: Sugars, natural and refined Burns fast Quick energy

Lipids (Fats) Essential in Helping brain development, cushioning organs, warmth, carry vitamins Two categories

Lipids Unsaturated: Good Examples: Corn, Soy, Olive Tend to remain liquid at room temperature Saturated: Evil Examples: Animal, Palm, Coco Tend to be solid at room temperature The difference between the two types is based on whether the carbon chain can hold more hydrogen.

Lipids Cholesterol A fatlike substance, but it is structurally different. Liver makes serum cholesterol, only cholesterol the body needs. Dietary cholesterol comes from food we eat.

When we have too much of the bad fat, we end up with a build up of it in the veins and arteries.

Proteins Responsible for repair and maintenance of body Made up from Amino Acids (building blocks) Two categories

Proteins Complete: Animal sources All essential amino acids Incomplete: Plant sources Lacking some of the essential amino acids Vegetarians must be careful to combine incompletes to make complete.

Vitamins Micronutrients that regulate vital body processes Two categories Does not supply calories

Vitamins Water-Soluble: Dissolve in water Fresh source needed every day Examples: Vitamin C & Folic Acid Fat-Soluble: Absorbed and transported by fat Stored in body Excess buildup can be dangerous Examples: Vitamin A, D and K

Minerals Inorganic substances that the body can’t make Act as catalysts, regulating body functions Electrolytes: minerals that cause an electrical charge. Heartbeat. Does not provide calories

Water Body’s most essential nutrient 6-8 glasses a day to replace what is used Food also supplies water. Does not provide calories