Nutrients and Diets
Absorption
After the food is digested, absorption occurs. Absorption is the process in which blood or lymph capillaries pick up the digested nutrients
Body mass index
helps individuals determine healthy weight ranges
Carbohydrate
are the major source of readily usable human energy. They are commonly called starches or sugars
Digestion
is the process by which the body breaks down food into smaller parts, changes the food chemically, and moves the food through the digestive system
Hypertension
high blood pressure; may be caused by an excess amount of fat or salt in the diet; can lead to diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys
Anorexia
lack of appetite
Bulimarexia
a psychological disorder in which a person alternately binges and then induces vomiting or uses laxatives to get rid of food that has been eaten
Cellulose
the fibrous, indigestible form of plant carbohydrate. It is important because it provides bulk in the digestive tract and causes regular bowel movements
essential nutrients
are composed of chemical elements found in food. They are used by the body to perform many different body functions.
Lipids
commonly called fats and oils, are organic compounds. Three of the most common lipids found in both food and the human body are triglycerides (fats and fatty acids), phospholipids (lecithin), and sterols (cholesterol)
Antioxidants
organic molecules that help protect the body from harmful chemicals called free radicals
Bulimia
a psychological disorder in which a person alternately binges (eats excessively) and then fasts, or refuses to eat at all; in some cases, a person will exercise excessively after binging
Cholesterol
is a sterol lipid found in body cells and animal products. It is used in the production of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids
Fat restricted diet
also called low-fat diets, usually limit fats to less than 50 grams (g) daily
Liquid diets
include both clear liquids and full liquids. Both are nutritionally inadequate and should be used only for short periods of time
Atherosclerosis
condition in which arteries are narrowed by the accumulation of fatty substances
Calorie
The number of calories in a certain food is known as that food's caloric value
Diabetes mellitus
metabolic disease caused by an insufficient secretion or use of insulin leading to an increased level of glucose (sugar) in the blood
Fats
Fats provide the most concentrated form of energy but are a higher calorie option source of energy than carbohydrates
Low cholesterol diets
restricts foods that contain cholesterol and usually limits fats to less than 50 grams (g) daily. It is used for patients who have atherosclerosis and heart disease
Bland diet
consists of easily digested foods that do not irritate the digestive tract
Calorie controlled diets
controlled diets include both low-calorie and high-calorie diets. Low-calorie diets are frequently used for patients who are overweight
Diabetic diet
is used for patients with diabetes mellitus. In this condition, the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin to metabolize carbohydrates
Fiber diets
are usually classified as high fiber or low fiber. A high-fiber diet usually provides at least 30 grams (g) of fiber without seeds or nuts. It is used to stimulate activity in the digestive tract
Malnutrition
the state of poor nutrition; may be caused by poor diet or illness.