How Nutrients Become You

Food, Nutrients, and Energy Six Nutrient Groups: Carbohydrates Fats Proteins Vitamins Minerals Water

The Functions of Nutrients Essential nutrients from food are used to: * build and repair body tissues * regulate all body processes * provide energy

Chemistry of Nutrients Five of the basic nutrient groups are compounds: Carbohydrates Fats Proteins Vitamins Water Minerals are elements.

The Energy Value of Food The energy value of food is measured in units called kilocalories. 1 gram of carbohydrates = 4 kilocalories of energy 1 gram of fat = 9 kilocalories of energy 1 gram protein = 4 kilocalories of energy Water, vitamins, and minerals do not yield energy. The more calories in a food, the more energy it will provid.

The Digestion Process Digestion is the process by which your body breaks down food, and the nutrients in food, into simpler substances. Mechanical digestions happens as food is crushed and churned. Chemical digestion is when food is mixed with powerful acids and enzymes.

Digestion As food is digested, it passes through a muscular tube leading from the mouth to the anus. This tube is called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Each section performs important functions.

Sections of the GI tract The mouth The esophagus The stomach The small intestine The large intestine

Absorption of Nutrients Absorption is the passage of nutrients from the digestive tract into the circulatory of lymphatic system. Some nutrients can dissolve in water. They are called water-soluble nutrients. Some nutrients can dissolve in fat. They are called fat-soluble nutrients.

Digestion Digestion Video

Assignment Read text pages 43-50 (up to metabolism). Answer questions on page 56. #’s 1 – 9. Due tomorrow.