Nutrition Nutrition Includes all body processes relating to

Nutrition

Nutrition • Includes all body processes relating to food: • Digestion, metabolism, circulation and elimination • These processes allow the body to use food for energy, maintenance of health and growth. • Nutritional Status- state of one’s nutrition • Goal: maintain wellness

Effects of good nutrition • Healthy appearance, good attitude, proper sleep and bowel habits, high energy, enthusiasm, freedom from anxiety • Cumulative affect over the years- disease prevention

Diseases r/t poor nutrition • Hypertension ( excess fat or salt) • Atherosclerosis (fatty plaque build-up on arteries- saturated fats, cholesterol) • Osteoporosis (deficiencies of Ca, Vit. D, Mg) • Malnutrition (sx: fatigue, depression, poor posture, over/underweight, poor complexion, lifeless hair, irritability

Essential nutrients • Composed of chemical elements found in food. Used by the body to perform different functions. 6 groups

Essential Nutrients • Carbohydrates-major source of human energy “starches or sugars” • Cheap • Grow in most environments • Easily digested • Keep well • (breads, cereals, pasta, potatoes, fruits, sugars, syrup • Cellulose-fibrous indigestible form- regular BM’s

Fats • (lipids) Most concentrated form of energy • Maintain body temp. , cushion organs and bones, aid in absorption of fat soluble vitamins, provide flavor (butter, oils, cream, fatty meats, cheeses, and egg yolk) • Classified as saturated (solid at room temp. ) and polyunsaturated

Fats cont. • Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in body cells and animal fats. It is used in the production of steroid hormones, vit. D and bile acids. Also a component of cell membranes. Synthesized by the liver. • Excess leads to atherosclerosis

Proteins • Basic components of all body cells. • Build and repair cells, regulate body functions and provide energy and heat. • Made up of 22 building blocks called amino acids. Nine of these amino acids are essential to life. Proteins that have all 9 are called complete proteins. Best sources of complete protein are animal sources (milk, cheese, eggs, fish)

Protein cont. • Incomplete proteins don’t contain essential 9 • Sources: cereals, soybeans, dry beans, peas, corn and nuts

Vitamins • Organic compounds essential to life • Important for metabolism, tissue building, and body process regulation • Only small amounts required- healthy diet should provide plenty

Vitamins • Water soluble- dissolve in water, easily destroyed in cooking, not usually stored in body • Fat soluble- dissolve in fat, not easily destroyed

Minerals • Inorganic (non-living) elements found in all body tissues • Regulate body fluids, assist in body functions, contribute to growth and aid in buiding tissues

Water • • • Found in all body tissues Essential for digestion Makes up most of blood plasma Helps body tissue absorb nutrients Helps move waste Found in most food- should still drink 6 to 8 glasses day