A continuous tube that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus
Digestive system
Measuring about 30 feet long in the average adult
Also known as the alimentary canal or gastrointestinal tract
Digestion
A scientific way of describing how we break down our food
Calorie
A unit of energy, used to show how much energy an item of food contains
Dietary calories
Referred to as C, where C = 1000 calories or 1 kilocalorie
Nutrients
Water
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Vitamins
Minerals
Water
The most important nutrient
Every cell in the human body needs water
Many body processes and chemical reactions take place in water
Makes up the bulk of blood, lymph, and other bodily fluids
Drink at least 1-2 liters (6-8 cups) of water each day
Not enough water
Causes problems in circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems
Carbohydrates
Nutrients that are the main source of energy for the body
Proteins
Nutrients that are the main source of building blocks for the body
Fats/Lipids
Used for cellular components, such as cell membranes, and also used for storage of energy
Vitamins
Organic molecules that help regulate body processes (work with enzymes)
Most vitamins obtained from food
Bacteria in digestive tract synthesize vitamin K
Skin synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight
Minerals
Inorganic nutrients that the body needs in small amounts, also called micronutrients
Examples: calcium (major component of bones and teeth), iron (makes hemoglobin), magnesium, sodium and potassium
Digestive system
A continuous tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus
In the average adult, the digestive system measures about 30 feet long and is known as the alimentary canal or gastrointestinal tract
Digestion
The breakdown of food into nutrients, absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, and elimination of solid wastes
Calorie
A unit of energy used to measure the energy content of food
Dietary calories are often referred to as Calories
Foods and their calorie content per 100g
Avocado (208 cal)
Cheese (371 cal)
Fish (147 cal)
Carrot (33 cal)
Apple (49 cal)
Onion (38 cal)
Strawberry (22 cal)
Candy (41 cal)
Peas (81 cal)
Milk (58 cal)
Bread (266 cal)
Rice (130 cal)
Orange (47 cal)
Lemon (29 cal)
Daily calorie needs
Vary based on age, gender, and activity level
Caloric needs for different age groups and activity levels are provided in a table, with examples for sedentary, moderately active, and active individuals
The source of the information is Harvard Health Publications
Calories burned during exercise
Depend on the type of activity, duration, and individual's weight
Calories burned in 30 minutes of exercise for different activities and weight categories
Weight lifting
Swimming
Elliptical
Stationary bike
Walking
Jogging
Running
Rock climbing
Jumping rope
Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Vitamins and Minerals
Carbohydrates
The main source of energy for the body
Water
Crucial for bodily functions
Dehydration
Can lead to issues in anatomy, physiology, respiratory, and nervous systems
Proteins
Play a vital role in various bodily processes
Essential for muscle repair and growth
Made up of amino acids, the building blocks of life
Vitamins and Minerals
Crucial for overall health and well-being
Support various functions in the body, such as immune system health and metabolism
Deficiencies can lead to various health issues
Water
The most important nutrient for the human body
Every cell in the body requires water for proper functioning
Involved in many bodily processes and chemical reactions
Bodily Fluids
Water makes up the majority of blood, lymph, and other bodily fluids
Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain proper hydration levels
Insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration and subsequent health issues
Recommended Water Intake
At least 1-2 liters of water daily (6-8 cups)
Dehydration can cause problems in various bodily systems, including anatomy, physiology, respiratory, and nervous systems
Complex Carbohydrates
Consuming can lead to a drastic increase in insulin levels
Insulin is responsible for fat storage in the body
Can contribute to weight gain
Simple Carbohydrates
Humans have been consuming processed carbs for a relatively short time compared to their existence on Earth
Slower absorption rate leads to more natural insulin levels
Choosing over complex carbs can help regulate insulin and blood sugar levels
Anatomy and Physiology
The study of the structure and function of the human body
Cellular Components and Energy Storage
Fats/Lipids are used for cellular components like cell membranes and energy storage
Caloric Nutrients and Vitamins
Vitamins are organic molecules that regulate body processes and work with enzymes
Most vitamins are obtained from food sources
Vitamin K is synthesized by bacteria in the digestive tract
Skin synthesizes Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight
Vitamin C and B Vitamins are essential for various bodily functions
Unsaturated Fats and Omega Oils
Liquid at room temperature and oily in texture
Mainly found in plant products like hempseed and spirulina
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are a type of unsaturated fat beneficial for increasing HDL cholesterol levels