NUTRITIONNUTRITION

What is nutrition? Nutrition is the science of food, the nutrients in foods and how the body uses those nutrients. It includes the process of ingestion, digestion, absorption, metabolism, transport, storage and excretion of those nutrients. It also includes the environmental, psychological and behavioural aspects of food and eating.

Why is nutrition Important? Nutrition acts like fuel in a car. It provides the body with the necessary nutrients to carry out basic functions of the body.

Different types of Nutrients The six essential nutrients include: carbohydrates Fat protein Vitamins Minerals water. Nutrients are used to fuel our bodies. Nutrients provide our bodies with the necessary energy to help us to move and grow

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are usually referred to as sugars or starches. Complicated carbohydrates are the carbohydrates that we keep hearing about that we should improve our food intake of. These carbohydrates are found in such foods such as potatoes, bananas, pasta, bread, cereals etc. Carbohydrates are converted into sugars by the body.

Carbohydrates cont... Carbohydrates come in two forms: Simple Sugars Simple sugars are sugars like processed sugar and sugar from fruits. This kind of sugar is used almost immediately during exercise. Just eating these sugars would not give you endless amounts of instant energy because as your sugar level in your blood increased, more insulin would be released to grab the sugar and dispose of it because there is too much.

Carbohydrates cont... Complex Sugars This kind of sugar is taken from foods like potatoes, bread, pasta, rice and vegetables. The difference between these sugars and simple sugars are that the sugars are released at a slower level so you do not get this insulin rush. As the sugar is released a lot slower it also lasts a lot longer because it takes the sugar a lot longer to be broken down

LIPIDS (Fats) Fat is another term for lipid. Too much fat in your diet can lead to obesity, heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Fat does have its uses though, the body needs some fat to process vitamins and minerals and to insulate its inner systems. Fat is also used by the body to provide energy to the body during exercise.

LIPIDS cont... There are three different types of Fats, these include: Saturated Fat Polyunsaturated Fat Mono Unsaturated Fat

LIPIDS cont... Saturated Fat Saturated fat is the worst fat for the body. Saturated fat causes the arteries to clog which in turn can cause strokes, heart attacks and coronary heart disease.

LIPIDS cont... Polyunsaturated Fat: Polyunsaturated fat has fewer fatty acid molecules than saturated fat, so is a lot better for you than saturated fat. A type of polyunsaturated fat is Omega 3, this is found only in fish oils, this fat helps with the developments of the nervous system and a host of other bodily functions.

LIPIDS cont... Mono Unsaturated Fat: Mono unsaturated fat has even fewer fatty acid molecules than polyunsaturated fat, and for this reason is the best of all three fats. You should have a higher intake of mono unsaturated fat than the other two fats

Protein Protein is composed of amino acids, which help to build muscle mass. Cells in the body are being replaced all the time every day 365 days a year, so we need to give the body the tools to complete the task of keeping our body’s fit and healthy. Protein is found in such foods such as Meat (especially white meat – chicken) egg white, beans, skimmed milk etc

Vitamins Vitamins are needed in small amounts to help the body with chemical reactions within its cells and are organic. Vitamins come in two forms, they are fat soluble and water soluble. Fat Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in the fat tissue and can build up high levels of toxins in the body if they are not utilized. Water Soluble Vitamins (B, C) are excreted by the body if your daily amount of intake is too great.

Minerals Minerals are inorganic substances in other words they are man made and they regulate processes within the body. Minerals are put into different structures within the body to create enzymes, hormones, skeletal bones, skeletal tissues, teeth and fluids.

WATER It is the most important nutrient. In fact, your body is approximately 60 to 75 percent water Your body uses water 24 hours a day. A by product of the energy production in your body is heat. Water regulates your body temperature by dissipating that heat. Water also carries nutrients to the cells in your body. Water does not produce energy.