Nutrients
substances that the body needs to regulate bodily functions, promote growth, repair body tissues, and obtain energy
Metabolism
the chemical process by which your body breaks down food to release energy
Calorie
the amount of energy released when nutrients are broken down
Carbohydrate
nutrients made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; supply energy for your body's functions
Fiber
a type of complex carbohydrate that is found in plants
Fat
made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; supply your body with energy; form cells, maintain body temperature, and protect nerves
Unsaturated Fat
have at least one unsaturated bond in a place where hydrogen can be added to the molecule
Saturated Fat
Fats that have all the hydrogen the carbon atoms can hold
Cholesterol
a waxy, fat like substance that is found only in animal products
Trans Fat
made when manufacturers add hydrogen to the fat molecules in vegetable oils
Protein
nutrients that contain nitrogen as well as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; serve as source of energy; grow and repair body tissues
Amino Acid
the smaller "links" in the long chains that are bound together chemically to create proteins
Vitamin
nutrients that are made by living things, are required in only small amounts, and that assist many chemical reactions in the body
Antioxidant
help to promote healthy cells from the damage caused by the normal aging process, and from certain types of cancer
Mineral
nutrients that occur naturally in rocks and soil
Anemia
a condition in which the red blood cells do not contain enough hemoglobin
Homeostasis
the process of maintaining a steady state inside your body
Electrolyte
a dissolved substance that regulate many processes in your cells
Dehydration
a serious reduction in the body's water content
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
A document developed by nutrition experts to promote health
Nutrient-dense food
contain lots of vitamins and minerals relative to the number of calories
MyPyramid Plan
groups foods according to types and indicates how much of each type should be eaten daily for a healthy diet
Complex Carbohydrates
composed of sugars linked together
Chicken
food that is high in protein
Role of glucose
extra glucose is converted into a type of starch called glycogen
Fiber and the digestive system
necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive system because it prevents constipation
limiting intake of fats and cholesterol
limit the amount of saturated fats and trans fats that you eat
Essential Amino Acids
the 9 amino acids that the body cannot manufacture
Sodium
nutrients associated with high blood pressure
Antioxidants
help protect healthy cells from the damage caused by the normal aging process, and from certain types of cancer
Vitamin C and E
good sources of antioxidants
Calcium
mineral that helps build strong bones and teeth
Water
65% of body weight; nearly all of the body's chemical reactions take place in water solution; contains electrolytes that regulate many processes in your cells
Weight
not used used to determine the amounts you should consume from each food group in the MyPyramid plan
Dietary Guidelines recommendations
choose a wide variety of foods, include plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and choose low-fat or non-fat milk and milk products
Widest band in the MyPyramid plan
grains and carbohydrates band