Carbohydrates supply the body with energy that is needed to sustain normal
activity. Simple sugars are a type of carbohydrate which provide
short-term energy. Another type of carbohydrate are the complex carbohydrates
which provide sustained energy. Polysaccharide is another complex carbohydrate
which is formed by combining long chains of saccharides. Fiber, or cellulose
is yet another type of complex carbohydrate. It is recommended that complex
carbohydrates should make up forty-eight percent of a person’s total calories.
Proteins should make up twelve percent. Simple sugars should make up ten
percent. Fats should only be thirty percent or less of a person’s total daily
caloric intake.
Proteins are the second most abundant substances in the human body. They
are major components of almost every cell and are sometimes called “body
builders” due to their role in developing and repairing bone, muscle, skin,
and blood cells. They are key elements of the antibodies that protect from
disease and of enzymes that control activities in the body. Also, they are key
to hormones that regulate body functions. Probably the most important thing
about proteins is that they are the transporter of iron, oxygen and nutrients to
all body cells and supply energy to cells when fat and carbohydrates are not
available.
Lipids, or fats are highly misunderstood. They play a very important role
in maintaining healthy hair and skin. Lipids protect the organs from shock by
acting as a cushion. They promote healthy cell function and maintain body
temperature. The two main types of fat which are in the food we eat are
saturated fats and unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are considered good for
us, especially for those who are watching their cholesterol. They are derived
from plants. Saturated fats come from animal products and are considered
unhealthy due to their link to atherceclerosis and to heart disease.
Vitamins promote growth and help maintain health. They help to maintain
skin and nerves. Vitamins produce blood cells. Bones and teeth are built by
vitamins. They help heal wounds. Food energy is converted to body energy thanks
to vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins, with the help of fats, are absorbed through
the intestinal tract. They are A, D, E and K.
Water soluble vitamins, with the help of water are absorbed and they are B
and C.
Minerals help physiological processes in the body. Minerals help vitamins
be absorbed. Minerals that the body needs quite a bit of such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sulfur,
and chloride are called Macrominerals. Minerals that the body only needs
relatively small amount of, such as iron, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine,
and cobalt are called trace minerals.
Water is obviously important since up to sixty percent of our bodies are
made up of water. Water bathes our cells. It helps electrolyte and fluid
balances. Water is an important part of blood and helps blood carry oxygen
throughout the body. It also helps carry other nutrients to all parts of the
body.
Fiber is important as the roughage to help move foods and nutrients
through the digestive system. Fiber absorbs water which helps to soften stools,
making them easier to move out of the body. By creating a feeling of being full
fiber helps maintain weight and even lose weight. Foods like bran, cereal,
and whole grain bread are insoluble fiber and have gastrointestinal benefits and
help reduce cancer risks. Many fruits and vegetables as well as oat bran and
dried beans have soluble fiber which helps lower blood cholesterol levels which
reduces risk of cardiovascular disease. Fiber is thought to protect from many
types of cancers, constipation, diverticulosis, heart disease, diabetes,
and obesity.
There are 4 calories in each gram of carbohydrates. There are also 4 Calories
per gram of protein. In fats there are 9 Calories per gram. There are no
calories in vitamins, minerals, fiber and water.
A node your homework adventure!
Source:
Health: The Basics. 6th ed. by Rebecca J. Donatelle