Nutrition and Physical Health

Nutrition and Physical Health

• Nutrition is vital for maintaining physical health, supporting growth, development, and overall bodily function.
• Balanced nutrient intake helps prevent chronic diseases and promotes optimal body systems performance.

Digestion Processes

• Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars through enzymatic action, primarily in the mouth and small intestine, allowing for glucose absorption.
• Proteins undergo digestion in the stomach and small intestine, where they are broken down into amino acids for absorption and use in tissue repair and growth.
• Fats are emulsified by bile and digested by lipases in the small intestine, resulting in fatty acids and glycerol absorption.

Absorption Mechanisms

• Nutrient absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine through villi and microvilli, enhancing surface area for efficient nutrient uptake.
• Transport mechanisms include active transport for certain vitamins and minerals, and passive diffusion for macronutrients.

Metabolic Functions

• Carbohydrates provide energy through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
• Proteins are metabolized for energy through gluconeogenesis and are essential for synthesizing hormones and enzymes.
• Fats are metabolized through beta-oxidation, contributing to energy production and cellular repair.

Role of Water

• Water is essential for hydration, nutrient transport, temperature regulation, and metabolic reactions.
• It constitutes a significant portion of body weight and is involved in digestion and elimination of waste.

Importance of Vitamins

• Vitamins play crucial roles in metabolic processes, with fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) required for vision, bone health, and antioxidant functions, and water-soluble (B-complex, C) involved in energy metabolism and immune support.

Role of Minerals

• Minerals (e.g., calcium, potassium, iron) are essential for various bodily functions such as bone density, electrolyte balance, and oxygen transport.
• Trace minerals (e.g., zinc, selenium) aid in enzymatic reactions and overall cellular function.