Question

Nutrition Report assignment:

1. Describe the function in the body of each of the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

2. Why is adequate water intake important to the body?

3. Define electrolytes and list their functions.

4. Define the function of dietary supplements.

5. What is the function of vitamins?
   1. List the water soluble vitamins and their functions.
   2. List the fat soluble vitamins and their functions.

6. What is the function of minerals?  
   1. List the major minerals and describe their functions.
   2. List the trace minerals and describe their functions.

7. What is dietary fiber?
   1. Describe the differences between soluble and insoluble fiber.
   2. Describe the benefits of a high fiber diet.

Answer 1

Ans)

Macronutrients give us energy
Although each of these macronutrients supplies the energy needed to run body functions, the amount of energy that each provides varies.

Carbohydrates and proteins each provide 17kJ/g whereas fats provide 37kJ/g. 1 kilojoule (kJ) = 1000 joules.

4.2 joules is the energy needed to raise the temperature of 1g of water by 1°C.

Nutritional research evidence shows that the relative proportion of energy-giving foods in the diet can increase or decrease the likelihood of problems such as heart disease. A balance of energy-giving nutrients is suggested.

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Carbohydrates, in the form of starches and sugars, are the macronutrients required in the largest amounts. When eaten and broken down, carbohydrates provide the major source of energy to fuel our daily activities. It is recommended that carbohydrates should supply 45–65% of our total daily energy needs.

Some of the carbohydrate we consume is converted into a type of starch known as glycogen, which is stored in the liver and muscles for later use as an energy source.

- As ‘building blocks’ in the production of ‘new’ proteins needed for
growth and repair of tissues, making essential hormones and enzymes and supporting immune function.
As an energy source.
As starting materials in the production of other compounds needed by the body.

- fats are needed to:

supply fatty acids that the body needs but cannot make (such as omega-3)
assist with absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and carotenoids
provide foods with flavour and texture.

- Water is needed to replenish the lost fluid from sweat. You also need enough water in your system to have healthy stool and avoid constipation. Kidneys are also important for filtering out waste through urination. Adequate water intake helps your kidneys work more efficiently and helps to prevent kidney stones.

- Electrolytes are chemicals that conduct electricity when mixed with water. They regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue. The muscles and neurons are sometimes referred to as the "electric tissues" of the body.

- A dietary supplement is a manufactured product intended to supplement the diet when taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid. A supplement can provide nutrients either extracted from food sources or synthetic, individually or in combination, in order to increase the quantity of their consumption.

- Vitamins and minerals are considered essential nutrients—because acting in concert, they perform hundreds of roles in the body. They help shore up bones, heal wounds, and bolster your immune system. They also convert food into energy, and repair cellular damage.