Transcript What is a Nutrient

What Is Nutrition?
-Is defined as all body
processes relating to food
including:
digestion, absorption,
metabolism, circulation and
Elimination
-These processes allow the
body to use food for energy,
maintenance of health, and
growth
Diet
• The Food and beverages we eat and drink
• Over time the diet we choose will be helpful
or harmful to our bodies
What is a Nutrient
•Composed of chemical elements found in food
•They are used by the body to perform many
different body functions
 Vitamins
 Minerals
 Water
 Protein
Carbohydrates
Sugars
Starches
 Fats
Cellulose
Carbohydrates
• Major source of readily usable human
energy
• Commonly called “starches” or “sugars”
• Examples: breads, cereals, pastas, potatoes
Lipids
• Commonly called fats and oils
• Help maintain body temperature by
providing insulation and cushion for organs
• Most dense calorically
• Examples: butter, margarine, oils, cream,
fatty meats, cheeses, and egg yolk
Proteins
• are the basic components of all body cells
• Essential for building and repairing tissue,
regulating body functions, and providing
energy and heat
• Examples include animal meats, fish, milk,
cheeses, and eggs, beans, and nuts
Vitamins
• are organic compounds that are essential to
life
• Important for metabolism, tissue building,
and regulation of body processes
• Examples include Vitamin A, B, C,D, E and
many others
Minerals
• are inorganic elements found in all body
tissues
• Regulate body fluids, assist in various body
functions, contribute to growth, and aid in
building tissues
• Examples include calcium, zinc, potassium,
and sodium
Water
• is found in all body tissues
• Essential for the digestion of food, makes
up most of the blood plasma and cytoplasm
of cells and helps move waste material
Healthy Diet
• Calcium and regular exercise help reduce
the risk of osteoporosis
• A fatty diet increases the risk of cancer
• Saturated fats and cholesterol are linked to a
greater risk of heart disease
• Folic acid decreases the risk of neural tube
defects in fetuses
Healthy Diet
• Foods that contain higher fiber content –
grains, fruits and vegetables – reduce the
risk of cancer
• Sodium increases the risk of high blood
pressure
• Fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of
cancer
Healthy Diet
• Soluble fiber from whole oats as part of a
diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol
reduces the risk of heart disease
Daily Requirements for Basic
Nutrition for 2,000 calories
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Total Daily Fat: 65g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 300mg
Sodium: 2,400mg
Potassium: 3,500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 300g
Fiber: 25g
Nutrients that have Calories:
 Proteins
 Carbohydrates
 Fats
Definition of a Calorie:
o A unit of measure for energy in food
Calories per gram:
Protein
1 Gram = 4 calories
Carbohydrates 1 Gram = 4 calories
Fat
1 Gram = 9 calories
Variables which affect nutrient needs:
1. Age
2. Gender
3. Activity Level
4. Climate
5. Health
6. State of nutrition
Aim for Fitness
1. Aim for a healthy
weight
2. Be physically active each day
Build a Healthy Base
3. Let the pyramid guide your choices
4. Choose a variety of grains daily, especially
whole grains
5. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables
daily.
6. Keep food safe to eat.
Choose Sensibly
7. Choose a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol
and moderate in total fat
8. Choose beverages and foods to moderate
your intake of sugars
9. Choose and prepare food with less salt
10. If you drink alcoholic beverages do so in
moderation