Food Nutrients
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Transcript of Food Nutrients
Food Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates Main source of chemical energy in food Come in different sizes and complexity
Monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides
Glucose is the most common monosaccharide
Types of Carbs Glucose is used in cellular respiration to
break down into energy molecules (adenosine triphosphate or ATP)
Lactose and Sucrose are common disaccharides (are digested into glucose molecules)
Cellulose and glycogen are common polysaccharides stored in plants and animals respectively
Carbs in diet and living tissues Most are used for energy by catabolic
reactions to form glucose subunits Some are stored in muscles and in the
liver as glycogen If not utilized then converted into fats
(lipids)
Proteins
Proteins Most diverse and complex
macromolecule Used for variety of functions and
structural components Made of long chains of amino acids
20 a.a. all together, 8 of them are essential; meaning that the have to be obtained through diet
Functions Enzymes – control/catalyze chemical
reactions Myosin – protein responsible for muscle
contraction Haemoglobin – transport O2 in blood Collagen – connective tissue in skin HGH – human growth hormone Antibodies – immune signalers
Lipids
Components of lipids Main subunit is a triglyceride
Saturated – solid fats at room temperature Unsaturated – liquids at room temperature
Lipids Concentrated chemical energy Used for absorbing vitamins, making sex
hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and main component of cell membrane (phospholipid bilayer)
Common lipids Some (like amino acids) are essential
ie; Omega – 3 fatty acid . . . Good for heart health and arthritis
Steroids are made of fats (sex hormones)
Cholesterol (both good and bad types); used for cell membrane structure
Vitamins
Vitamins Vitamins are used for regulating cell
functions, growth and development Either fat soluble or water soluble Vit. A,D,E and K are fat soluble and are
stored in fat tissue (not easily eliminated and can be toxic if levels are high)
Vit. B and C are water soluble, passed in urine and need to be replenished daily
Minerals Elements that the body uses to carry
out cellular functions Sodium – used for muscle contraction
and nerve impulses Iron – O2 binds to it in haemoglobin Many others as well . . .