nutrients and homeostasis

• the body has 6 types of nutrients:

  1. water
  2. carbohydrates
  3. Proteins
  4. fats
  5. minerals
  6. vitamins
• Your body is made up of 55-60% water, a natural solvent used by every cell in your body. water helps maintain your body temp., keep your skin moist, and maintain blood volume.
• carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy; from simple carbs made of sugars or from complex carbs made of starches found in veggies, grains, or potatoes.
• carbs are broken down into simple sugars, any extra are converted to glycogen and are stored in the liver and muscle tissue for the future
• proteins are raw materials used for growth and repair of the body's cells and tissues they also make up ALL enzymes and hormones of the body
• your body can only make 12 of the 20 needed amino acids so you must get them through your diet. those essential amino acids are found in meat, cheese, and eggs. most plants lack at least one of these amino acids so vegans must eat a varied diet.
• fats provide--

  • energy and key components in cell membranes
  • myelin sheaths for neurons
  • certain hormones
• fats consist of long chains of fatty acids hooked to glycerol molecules. your body can make a few fatty acids but most must be obtained through your diet
• saturated fats are solid at room temperature from animal products
• unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature from plant oils or some fish. they are usually considered better for a person's health
• minerals are inorganic materials that the body uses to carry out processes in cells or repair tissues
• vitamins are inorganic molecules that work with enzymes to help regulate cell functions, growth, and development
• vitamins are fat-soluble and water-soluble. they are replenished by eating variety of foods
• 1g of protein/carbohydrate = 4 calories
• 1g of fat = 9 calories