Vocab words
What are nutrients?
substances that the body needs from food to regulate bodily functions, promote growth, repair body tissue, and obtain energy.
What is the function of carbohydrates?
Main source of energy; fuels the brain, muscles, and organs.
What is glucose?
The main source of energy for the body. This is the body’s favorite sugar because your brain and muscles run on it!
What is the main function of minerals?
Supports bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling, and fluid balance.
24 different minerals that are good for health (7 macro minerals in large amounts and others in trace amounts)
What are the types of carbohydrates and what is essential for digestion? Explain them.
Types of Carbohydrates:
- Simple (Sugars): Quick energy; found in fruits, milk, and sweets.
- Complex (Starches): Long-lasting energy; found in whole grains, beans, and vegetables.
Essential for Digestion: Fiber – helps move food through the digestive system. Found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
What is nutrition?
is the study of how food and nutrients affect your body.
What is the main function of fats?
Provides long-term energy, supports cell growth, protects organs, and helps absorb vitamins.
What is fructose?
A natural sugar found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables
What foods include carbohydrates?
-bread
-rice
-pasta
-fruits
-vegetables
-dairy products
What are the types of fat? Explain them and say if they are good/bad.
Types of Fats:
- Saturated Fats: Found in animal products and some oils; can raise cholesterol.
- Unsaturated Fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated): Found in plant-based oils, fish, and nuts; good for heart health.
- Trans Fats: Found in processed foods; can increase health risks.
What is metabolism?
is how your body turns food into energy.
- When you eat, your body breaks down food into tiny pieces.
- Your cells then turn food into energy to help you breathe, walk, think, and even sleep!
What is the main function of proteins?
Builds and repairs tissues, makes enzymes and hormones, supports the immune system.
What is lactose?
The sugar found naturally in milk and dairy products.
When people say they are lactose intolerant it means they have trouble digesting lactose.
What foods include fats?
Good Fats (Unsaturated): almonds, walnuts, peanuts, olive oil, fish
Bad Fats (Saturated + Trans): Butter, ice cream, cheese, animal fat, cookies, french fries, potato chips
What are the building blocks of proteins?
Building Blocks of Protein:
- Amino Acids: proteins in your body are made up of 20 of these.
- Essential (Complete) 9: Must come from food (your body cannot supply these); found in animal products and soy.
- Nonessential (Incomplete) 11: Can be made by the body; found in plant-based foods like beans and nuts.
What are calories?
unit of energy that tells us how much energy food gives our body.
- Unused calories are stored in the body in fat cells
- You need the right amount of calories to stay healthy and active. Too few = no energy. Too many = stored as fat.
What is the main function of water?
Regulates body temperature, helps transport nutrients, removes waste, and keeps organs functioning.
What is sucrose?
Combination of glucose + fructose. Commonly referred to as table sugar
What foods include protein/water
Protein rich foods:
-meat
-fish
-eggs
-dairy
-beans
-nuts
Water:
-water
-fruits
-vegetables
-soup
What are the 2 types of vitamins?
Categories of Vitamins:
- Water-Soluble (B, C): Not stored in the body; need to be consumed daily.
- Fat-Soluble (A, D, E, K): Stored in body fat and used when needed.
none
none
What is the main function of vitamins?
Helps the body function properly; supports immunity, energy production, and cell function.
What is high fructose corn syrup?
Processed sweetener made from corn that has more fructose than regular sugar. Common in sodas, candies, and processed food
What foods include vitamins/minerals
Vitamins:
-Fruits
-vegetables
-dairy
-meat
-fortified foods
Minerals:
-dairy
-fruits
-vegetables
-nuts
-whole grain
List important minerals and what do they do?
Important Minerals & Their Functions:
- Calcium (macro): Builds strong bones and teeth.
- Iron (trace): Helps transport oxygen in the blood.
- Potassium (macro): Regulates muscle contractions and hydration.