Food Groups/Intro to Nutrition
What are the five main food groups?
Answer: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, and Dairy.
How do cultural factors influence food choices?
Answer: Factors such as religion, geography, history, and socioeconomic status can affect dietary habits.
What are the two types of carbohydrates?
Answer: Simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.
What are proteins made of?
Answer: Amino acids.
What are the three types of fats?
Answer: Saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats.
What does the USDA Food Pyramid represent?
Answer: A visual guide for balanced nutrition showing recommended proportions of each food group.
What is the impact of globalization on food practices?
Answer: It has led to the spread of diverse cuisines, impacting traditional diets both positively and negatively.
What is the primary role of carbohydrates in the body?
Answer: They serve as the body's primary energy source.
Why are complete proteins important?
Answer: They contain all nine essential amino acids.
How many calories do fats provide per gram?
Answer: 9 kcal/g.
Name two essential nutrients provided by fruits and vegetables.
Answer: Vitamins and fiber.
Why is it important to understand cultural food practices in nutrition education?
Answer: It promotes inclusivity and effective public health policies.
How many calories do carbohydrates provide per gram?
Answer: 4 kcal/g.
What is the recommended daily protein intake for most adults?
Answer: Typically ranges from 0.8 to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Why are unsaturated fats considered healthier than saturated fats?
Answer: Unsaturated fats are linked to better heart health and lower cholesterol levels.
Why is protein important for the body?
Answer: It is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and enzyme production.
How can balancing traditional foods with modern nutritional guidelines benefit health?
Answer: It supports cultural preservation while ensuring optimal health.
What is the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates?
Answer: Simple carbohydrates are quickly digested; complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy.
List two functions of proteins in the body.
Answer: Building and repairing tissues; catalyzing biochemical reactions.
What percentage of total calories should come from fats in a balanced diet?
Answer: 20-35% of total calories.
Explain the significance of understanding serving sizes in nutrition.
Answer: It helps interpret nutritional information and manage calorie intake effectively.
What role does personal preference play in food choices besides nutrition?
Answer: It influences dietary habits based on cultural identity and social norms.
What does the glycemic index measure?
Answer: How quickly carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels.
How do proteins contribute to immune protection?
Answer: They help in producing antibodies that protect the body from pathogens.
How do fats support hormone production in the body?
Answer: They are essential for synthesizing hormones that regulate various bodily functions.