Transcript Quick & Healthy Meals

Nutrient Overview
Nutrients
Why isn’t alcohol a nutrient?
The 6 essential nutrients and their basic
functions
What is a calorie?
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)
How are they useful?
What is a Nutrient?
Any substance that the body can use for
nourishment: provide energy, maintain and
repair tissues, or regulate functions.
Alcohol provides energy but it doesn’t
provide nourishment to the body. It is a
toxin when consumed in large amounts.
Phytochemicals aren’t nutrients but they do
contribute to our health.
Essential Nutrients
Essential Nutrients: Nutrients the body can’t
make. They are required in our diet for good
health.
Non-Essential Nutrients: Nutrients the body
can make, i.e. cholesterol
6 Types of Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates -simple & complex sugars
Proteins -9 essential amino acids
Fats -2 essential fatty acids (omega 3 & 6)
Vitamins -13
Minerals -15
Water
3 Basic Functions of Nutrients
Provide
Energy
Carbohydrates
Contribute to Regulate Body
Cell and Body
Processes
Structure
Protein
Vitamins
Fats
Minerals
Minerals
Protein
Water
Water
What is a calorie?
The way we measure the energy that food
provides
Amount of heat to raise 1 liter of water 1
degrees Celsius (you don’t need to know)
Most energy rich nutrient is fat
Calories from Energy
Nutrients
Energy Nutrient
Energy
Carbohydrate
4 cal/g
Protein
4 cal/g
Fat
9 cal/g
Alcohol contributes 7 cal/g, but not a nutrient.
Recommended Dietary
Allowance (RDA)
Based on review of scientific research
Recommendations are categorized by age,
gender and whether pregnant or lactating
Meets the needs of virtually all healthy
people in the U.S. (97.5%). They are
safe and adequate intakes that include a
generous margin of safety.
Recommended DIETARY
Allowances
Safe and adequate
amount to consume