Nutrition 101 Unit 4 -- Nutrition

FACT: The prevalence of overweight kids 12-19 yrs. old has tripled in the past 20 years!! Overweight kids are more likely to become overweight or obese adults!!!!

What is a Nutrient? A substance in foods that the body needs to: Regulate bodily functions Promote growth Repair body tissues Obtain energy

6 Classes of Nutrients Carbohydrates Fats Proteins Vitamins Minerals Water

Metabolism and Calories Body breaking down food. Calories Measure of amount of energy released When body uses the nutrients in foods, a series of chemical reactions occurs inside your cells. The result is energy being released. Metabolism breaks down food to release this energy. Calories – Measure of amount of energy released when nutrients are broken down.

Carbohydrates Nutrients made of Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen. Supply energy Simple and Complex

Complex Carbohydrates Linked together sugars Long-term energy More nutritional value Starches Potatoes, grains, rice and oats Broken down into simple sugars absorbed in bloodstream Fiber Found in plants and breads Can’t be broken down but aids in digestion Linked together chemically to form long chains, like beads on necklace Starches – one of main types. Potatoes, and grains. Fiber – May reduce risk of colon cancer, and may help heart disease. Can’t be broken down and digested. (fiber is bulky and helps colon grip foods passing thru it better and move it along faster)

Simple Carbohydrates aka sugars Occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and milk Added to cookies, and candies Most important is Glucose Quick bursts of energy. Most have little nutritional value. Glucose is most important cause it is the major provider of energy for body’s cells All other types of sugars are converted to glucose once they are inside body.

Simple vs. Complex Recommended 45 to 65 percent of daily intake Better to eat complex than simple If you eat too many carb’s = stored as fat. Simple = quick bursts of energy Complex = long term energy Better to eat complex than simple because simple give quick bursts of energy but complex provide better long-term sustained energy. If choosing complex, whole grain foods are best because they contain more fiber and nutrients. Ex: whole-wheat grains and pastas and brown rice.

What are some of the differences between foods that have complex carbohydrates compared to those that have simple carbohydrates? (e.g. taste, sweetness, texture, and how these foods are eaten.)   2. What are the different complex carbohydrates foods you ate yesterday? 3. What are some of the sources of simple carbohydrate foods you ate yesterday? 4. What other foods can you think of that provide carbohydrates?