Nutrition

Body processes relating to food

Nutritional status

State or condition of one's nutrition

Wellness

A state of good health with optimal body function

Hypertension

High blood pressure

Atherosclerosis

Arteries are narrowed by the accumulation of fatty substances on their inner surfaces

Osteoporosis

Condition in which bones become porous and break easily

Malnutrition

State of poor nutrition may be caused by poor diet or illness

Essential nutrients

Composed of chemical elements found in food; used by the body to perform many different body functions

Carbohydrates

Major source of readily usable human energy; commonly called starches or sugars; easily digested, found in plants, and made of carbon, hydrogen, & oxygen

Cellulose

Fibrous, indigestible form of plant carbohydrate; provides bulk in the digestive tract and causes regular bowel movements

Lipids

Commonly called fats or oils; organic compounds

Fats

Provide a concentrated form of energy, maintain body temperature, cushion organs, provides flavor, and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins

Cholesterol

Sterol lipid found in animal products; used in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids; also a component of cell membranes

Proteins

Basic components of all body cells; essential for building and repairing tissue, providing energy and heat, and regulating body functions

Vitamins

Organic compounds that are essential to life; allow body to use energy correctly; only need scant amount

Antioxidants

Organic molecules (some vitamins) that help protect the body from harmful chemicals called free radicals

Minerals

Inorganic elements found in all body tissues; contribute to growth and aid in building tissues

Digestion

Process by which the body breaks down food into smaller parts; changes food chemically

Peristalsis

A rhythmic , wavelike motion of the muscles (esophagus and intestines)

Absorption

Process by which blood or lymph capillaries pick up the digested nutrients; occurs in the small intestines

Metabolism

Process by which the cells are used for building tissue, providing energy, and regulating various body functions

Basal Metabolic Rate

The rate at which the body uses energy just for maintaining its own tissue, without doing any voluntary work

Body Mass Index

Calculation that measures weight in relation to height and corresponding this with body fat

Underweight

Body weight that is 10 to 15% less than the desired weight

Overweight

Body weight that is 10 to 20% greater than the average recommended weight for a person's height

Obesity

Excessive body weight 20% or more above the average recommended weight

Calorie

Heat is measured by a unit

Therapeutic diet

Modification of the normal diet and are used to improve specific health conditions

Anorexia

Loss of appetite