Nutrition 101

Dietary Carbohydrates

What are they?
A compound consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms; most are known as sugars, starches, and dietary fibers.

What do they do in the body?
The main purpose of carbohydrates is to provide energy (4 kcal/gm) to body cells. Certain tissues, such as red blood cells, and certain parts of the brain derive almost all of their energy from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates also protect against needless metabolism of protein for energy, and provide flavor and sweetness to foods.

Where are they found?
Carbohydrates are found in breads, grains, fruit, some vegetables, dairy products, and sweets.

Dietary Protein (Amino Acids)

What is it?
Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes other atoms, in a specific configuration. Protein contains the type of nitrogen most easily used by the human body.

What do they do in the body?
Important body component, such as muscles, connective tissue, transport proteins, visual pigmentation, enzymes, some hormones, and immune bodies are made of proteins. Proteins help to maintain fluid and acid base balance, and provide some energy.

Where is it found?
Protein is found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, dried beans, and nuts. A moderate amount in found in breads, grains, and vegetables.

Dietary Fats (triglycerides)

What are they?
The major form of lipid in the body and in food. They are composed of three fatty acids bonded to glycerol, an alcohol.

What do they do in the body?
Triglycerides provide certain essential polyunsaturated fatty acids to the body. Triglycerides provide energy to the body. They are the primary source of fuel for the muscles while at rest and during light activity. Triglycerides also allow efficient energy storage, insulate, and protect the body, and transport fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K).

Where are they found?
Dietary fat is found in high fat meats (bacon, dark meat poultry with skin, deep fried meat), nuts, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, oil, whole milk, cheese, and premium ice cream.

Dietary Fiber

What is it?
Substances in food that are not digested by the processes that take place in the stomach and small intestine.

What does it do in the body?
Dietary fiber adds bulk to feces. A diet high in fiber may aid in weight control because high fiberous foods provide a feeling of fullness without yielding much energy.

Where is it found?
Dietary fiber can be found in whole grains, most fruits, vegetables, and dried beans.

 

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