Nutrition Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Identify at least five factors that influence our food choices.

Taste, culture/environment, social life, weight concerns, health benefits.

Describe what the science of nutrition studies.

The study of food and the nutrients we need to sustain life and reproduce, and how food nourishes the body and affects health.

List the six categories of nutrients found in foods and the body.

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, water.

Which nutrients provide energy?

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Signup and view all the answers

When we use the term 'calorie' to describe the energy content of food, are we actually referring to the word 'calorie' or are we referring to the word 'kilocalorie'? Explain.

We are referring to kilocalorie, as it is equal to 1,000 calories. Signup and view all the answers

How many kilocalories are provided in a gram of carbohydrate? Protein? Fats?

Carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 kilocalories per gram, while fats provide 9 kilocalories per gram. Signup and view all the answers

For each of the six classes of nutrients, briefly describe their primary role in the body.

Carbohydrates supply glucose for energy; proteins build and maintain tissues; fats store vitamins; vitamins catalyze reactions; minerals assist bodily processes. Signup and view all the answers

List some food sources for carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

Carbohydrates: bread, cereal, legumes, nuts; lipids: margarine, butter, oils, animal products; proteins: meats, dairy products, soy, nuts, seeds. Signup and view all the answers

What are some questions you can ask yourself to evaluate the credibility of published nutrition information?

Was the research finding published in a peer-reviewed journal? Was the study done using animals or humans? Do the study participants resemble me? Is this the first time I've heard about this? Signup and view all the answers

Describe the steps of the scientific method.

Observe or ask a question, form a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, observe results, and determine if the hypothesis is supported. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a double-blind placebo-controlled study considered the 'gold standard' of research?

Because all variables are controlled, and neither the subjects nor the researchers are biased. Signup and view all the answers

How does sample size affect the credibility of research results?

Larger sample sizes enhance reliability by reducing the likelihood that results are due to chance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Factors Influencing Food Choices

Taste, culture/environment, social life, weight concerns, and health benefits are key factors that impact food selection.

Science of Nutrition

Nutrition studies the relationship between food and essential nutrients needed for life and reproduction, as well as how food influences health.

Categories of Nutrients

Six nutrient categories are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Energy-Providing Nutrients

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are the main nutrients that supply energy to the body.

Understanding Calories and Kilocalories

When referring to "calorie" in food energy, it usually means kilocalorie (kcal), which equals 1,000 calories; calorie with a lowercase 'c' is a smaller measurement unit.

Energy Content in Nutrients

Carbohydrates and proteins offer 4 kilocalories per gram, while fats provide 9 kilocalories per gram.

Nutrient Roles in the Body

Carbohydrates supply glucose as a primary energy source.
Proteins serve as building blocks for tissue synthesis, growth, and maintenance.
Fats help with vitamin absorption and storage.
Water is necessary for daily consumption as it cannot be stored.
Vitamins catalyze body reactions, and minerals support bodily processes and the structure of hard tissues.

Food Sources by Nutrient Type

Carbohydrates: bread, cereal, legumes, nuts.
Lipids: margarine, butter, oils, animal products.
Proteins: meats, dairy products, soy, nuts, seeds.

Evaluating Nutrition Information Credibility

Ask if research is peer-reviewed, the study's subjects resemble you, if the study used animals or humans, and if the information is newly discovered.

Steps of the Scientific Method

Begin with observation or questioning; form a hypothesis; conduct an experiment; observe results; determine if the hypothesis is supported and revise if necessary.

Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Studies

Recognized as the "gold standard" of research due to controlled variables and the elimination of bias for both subjects and researchers.

Impact of Sample Size on Research

Larger sample sizes enhance the credibility of research findings, ensuring that observed differences are due to the treatment, not chance.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of nutrition with these flashcards. Learn about the factors influencing food choices, the science of nutrition, and the essential nutrients required for health. Perfect for students studying nutritional science or health-related courses.