Be Successful with NUTRITION
Have you ever looked at a packaged food label which tells you all the wonderful vitamins and nutrients included in the package, but had bsolutely no idea what they all mean? Below is an explanation of the major terms:
Proteins
Proteins are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs. Each protein has unique functions. Proteins are essential components of muscles, skin, bones and the body as a whole.
Fat
Fat is used as energy source by the body. The energy produced by fats is 9 calories per gram. Cosists of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can help reduce blood cholesterol when substituted for saturated fats in the diet.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is the most common type of steroid in the body, cholesterol is a critically important molecule. It is essential to the formation of bile acids (which aid in the digestion of fats), Vitamin D, Progesterone, Estrogens (estradiol, estrone, estriol), Androgens (androsterone, testosterone), Mineralocorticoid hormones (aldosterone, corticosterone) and Glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol).
Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are mainly sugars and starches which together constitute one of the three principal types of nutrients used as energy sources (calories) by the body. Carbohydrates come in simple forms such as sugars and in complex forms such as starches and fiber. The body breaks down most sugars and starches into glucose, a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells. Complex carbohydrates are derived from plants. Dietary intake of complex carbohydrates can lower blood cholesterol when they are substituted for saturated fat. The parts of plants that cannot be digested, namely complex carbohydrates. Also known as bulk or roughage.
Sodium
Sodium is the major positive ion (cation) in fluid outside of cells. When combined with chloride, the resulting substance is table salt. Excess sodium is excreted in the urine. Too much or too little sodium can cause cells to malfunction, and extremes can be fatal.
Potassium
Potassium is the major positive ion (cation) found inside of cells. The proper level of potassium is essential for normal cell function. An abnormal increase of potassium or decrease of potassium can profoundly affect the nervous system and heart, and when extreme, can be fatal.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is retinol. Carotene compounds (found, for example, in egg yolk, butter and cream) are gradually converted by the body to vitamin A (retinol). A form of vitamin A called retinal is responsible for transmitting light sensation in the retina of the eye. Deficiency of vitamin A leads to night blindness.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient found mainly in fruits and vegetables. The body requires vitamin C to form and maintain bones, blood vessels, and skin. Like other vitamins, vitamin C is a substance that occurs in living things, or organisms and contains the elements carbon and oxygen. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C cannot be stored by the body except in insignificant amounts. It must be replenished daily.
Calcium
Calcium is found mainly in the hard part of bones, where it is stored. Calcium is essential for healthy bones. It is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, nervous system maintenance, and normal blood clotting. Food sources of calcium include dairy foods, some leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and collards, canned salmon and tofu.
Iron
Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen and for oxidation by cells. Deficiency of iron is a common cause of anemia. Food sources of iron include meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables and cereals.
Folic Acid
Folate or Folic acid is one of the B vitamins that is a key factor in the making of nucleic acid (DNA and RNA). A deficiency of folic acid after birth causes a kind of anemia, Lack of adequate folic acid during pregnancy was first found to increase the risk for the baby to have a birth defect involving the spinal cord and brain.