NUTRITION

What is nutrition?

Nutrition is the science of food, the nutrients infoods and how the body uses those nutrients. Itincludes the process of ingestion, digestion,absorption, metabolism, transport, storage andexcretion of those nutrients. It also includes theenvironmental, psychological and behaviouralaspects of food and eating.

Why is nutrition Important?

Nutrition acts like fuel in a car. It provides the bodywith the necessary nutrients to carry out basicfunctions of the body.

Different types of NutrientsThe six essential nutrients include:• carbohydrates • Fat• protein • Vitamins• Minerals• water.

Nutrients are used to fuel our bodies. Nutrients provide ourbodies with the necessary energy to help us to move and grow

CarbohydratesCarbohydrates are usually referred to as sugarsor starches. Complicated carbohydrates are thecarbohydrates that we keep hearing about thatwe should improve our food intake of. Thesecarbohydrates are found in such foods such aspotatoes, bananas, pasta, bread, cereals etc.Carbohydrates are converted into sugars by thebody.

Carbohydrates cont...Carbohydrates come in two forms:Simple Sugars• Simple sugars are sugars like processed sugar and

sugar from fruits. This kind of sugar is used almost immediately during exercise. Just eating these sugars would not give you endless amounts of instant energy because as your sugar level in your blood increased, more insulin would be released to grab the sugar and dispose of it because there is too much.

Carbohydrates cont...Complex Sugars• This kind of sugar is taken from foods like potatoes,

bread, pasta, rice and vegetables. The difference between these sugars and simple sugars are that the sugars are released at a slower level so you do not get this insulin rush. As the sugar is released a lot slower it also lasts a lot longer because it takes the sugar a lot longer to be broken down

LIPIDS (Fats)Fat is another term for lipid. Too much fat inyour diet can lead to obesity, heart disease,heart attacks, and strokes. Fat does have its usesthough, the body needs some fat to processvitamins and minerals and to insulate its innersystems. Fat is also used by the body to provideenergy to the body during exercise.

LIPIDS cont...

There are three different types of Fats, theseinclude:• Saturated Fat• Polyunsaturated Fat• Mono Unsaturated Fat

LIPIDS cont...Saturated FatSaturated fat is the worst fat for the body.Saturated fat causes the arteries to clog which inturn can cause strokes, heart attacks andcoronary heart disease.

LIPIDS cont...Polyunsaturated Fat:Polyunsaturated fat has fewer fatty acidmolecules than saturated fat, so is a lot betterfor you than saturated fat. A type ofpolyunsaturated fat is Omega 3, this is foundonly in fish oils, this fat helps with thedevelopments of the nervous system and a hostof other bodily functions.

LIPIDS cont...Mono Unsaturated Fat:Mono unsaturated fat has even fewer fatty acidmolecules than polyunsaturated fat, and for thisreason is the best of all three fats. You shouldhave a higher intake of mono unsaturated fatthan the other two fats

ProteinProtein is composed of amino acids, which helpto build muscle mass. Cells in the body are beingreplaced all the time every day 365 days a year,so we need to give the body the tools tocomplete the task of keeping our body’s fit andhealthy. Protein is found in such foods such asMeat (especially white meat – chicken) egg white, beans,

skimmed milk etc

VitaminsVitamins are needed in small amounts to helpthe body with chemical reactions within its cellsand are organic. Vitamins come in two forms, theyare fat soluble and water soluble. Fat SolubleVitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in the fat tissue andcan build up high levels of toxins in the body if theyare not utilized. Water Soluble Vitamins (B, C) areexcreted by the body if your daily amount of intakeis too great.

MineralsMinerals are inorganic substances in otherwords they are man made and they regulateprocesses within the body. Minerals are put intodifferent structures within the body to createenzymes, hormones, skeletal bones, skeletaltissues, teeth and fluids.

WATER

It is the most important nutrient. In fact, yourbody is approximately 60 to 75 percent waterYour body uses water 24 hours a day. A byproduct of the energy production in your body isheat. Water regulates your body temperature bydissipating that heat. Water also carries nutrients tothe cells in your body. Water does not produceenergy.