PHLT612: Special Issues in Public Health – II
Unit 05: Nutrition and Health: Nutritional Interaction Program, Food Safety Act.
Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how the body uses them, and the relationship between diet, health,
and disease. Nutritionists use ideas from molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics to understand how
nutrients affect the human body. Nutrition also focuses on how people can use dietary choices to reduce the
risk of disease, what happens if a person has too much or too little of a nutrient, and how allergies work.
Nutrients provide nourishment. Proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water are all
nutrients. If people do not have the right balance of nutrients in their diet, their risk of developing certain
health conditions increases.
Macronutrients
Share on
PinterestConsuming the right balance of nutrients can help maintain a healthful lifestyle.
Macronutrients are nutrients that people need in relatively large quantities.
Carbohydrates
Sugar, starch, and fiber are types of carbohydrates.
Sugars are simple carbs. The body quickly breaks down and absorbs sugars and processed starch. They can
provide rapid energy, but they do not leave a person feeling full. They can also cause a spike in blood sugar
levels. Frequent sugar spikes increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Fiber is also a carbohydrate. The body breaks down some types of fiber and uses them for energ; others are
metabolized by gut bacteria, while other types pass through the body.
Fiber and unprocessed starch are complex carbs. It takes the body some time to break down and absorb
complex carbs. After eating fiber, a person will feel full for longer. Fiber may also reduce the risk
of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and colorectal cancer. Complex carbs are a more healthful choice than
sugars and refined carbs.
, Proteins
Proteins consist of amino acids, which are organic compounds that occur naturally. There are 20 amino
acids. Some of these are essentialTrusted Source, which means people need to obtain them from food. The
body can make the others. Some foods provide complete protein, which means they contain all the essential
amino acids the body needs. Other foods contain various combinations of amino acids. Most plant-based
foods do not contain complete protein, so a person who follows a vegan diet needs to eat a range of foods
throughout the day that provides the essential amino acids. Fats
Fats are essential for:
• lubricating joints
• helping organs produce hormones
• enabling the body to absorb certain vitamins
• reducing inflammation
• preserving brain health
Too much fat can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, liver disease, and other health problems. However, the
type of fat a person eats makes a difference. Unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, are more healthful than
saturated fats, which tend to come from animals.
Water The adult human body is up to 60% water, and it needs water for many processes. Water contains
no calories, and it does not provide energy. Many people recommend consuming 2 liters, or 8 glasses, of
water a day, but it can also come from dietary sources, such as fruit and vegetables. Adequate hydration will
result in pale yellow urine. Requirements will also depend on an individual’s body size and age,
environmental factors, activity levels, health status, and so on.
Micronutrients Micronutrients are essential in small amounts. They include vitamins and minerals.
Manufacturers sometimes add these to foods. Examples include fortified cereals and rice.
Minerals
The body needs carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. It also needs dietary minerals, such as
iron, potassium, and so on. In most cases, a varied and balanced diet will provide the minerals a person
needs. If a deficiency occurs, a doctor may recommend supplements. Here are some of the minerals the body
needs to function well.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte. It enables the kidneys, the heart, the muscles, and the nerves to work properly.
The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume 4,700 milligramsTrusted
Source (mg) of potassium each day. Too little can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and kidney stones.
Too much may be harmful to people with kidney disease. Avocados, coconut water, bananas, dried fruit,
squash, beans, and lentils are good sources.
Unit 05: Nutrition and Health: Nutritional Interaction Program, Food Safety Act.
Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how the body uses them, and the relationship between diet, health,
and disease. Nutritionists use ideas from molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics to understand how
nutrients affect the human body. Nutrition also focuses on how people can use dietary choices to reduce the
risk of disease, what happens if a person has too much or too little of a nutrient, and how allergies work.
Nutrients provide nourishment. Proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water are all
nutrients. If people do not have the right balance of nutrients in their diet, their risk of developing certain
health conditions increases.
Macronutrients
Share on
PinterestConsuming the right balance of nutrients can help maintain a healthful lifestyle.
Macronutrients are nutrients that people need in relatively large quantities.
Carbohydrates
Sugar, starch, and fiber are types of carbohydrates.
Sugars are simple carbs. The body quickly breaks down and absorbs sugars and processed starch. They can
provide rapid energy, but they do not leave a person feeling full. They can also cause a spike in blood sugar
levels. Frequent sugar spikes increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Fiber is also a carbohydrate. The body breaks down some types of fiber and uses them for energ; others are
metabolized by gut bacteria, while other types pass through the body.
Fiber and unprocessed starch are complex carbs. It takes the body some time to break down and absorb
complex carbs. After eating fiber, a person will feel full for longer. Fiber may also reduce the risk
of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and colorectal cancer. Complex carbs are a more healthful choice than
sugars and refined carbs.
, Proteins
Proteins consist of amino acids, which are organic compounds that occur naturally. There are 20 amino
acids. Some of these are essentialTrusted Source, which means people need to obtain them from food. The
body can make the others. Some foods provide complete protein, which means they contain all the essential
amino acids the body needs. Other foods contain various combinations of amino acids. Most plant-based
foods do not contain complete protein, so a person who follows a vegan diet needs to eat a range of foods
throughout the day that provides the essential amino acids. Fats
Fats are essential for:
• lubricating joints
• helping organs produce hormones
• enabling the body to absorb certain vitamins
• reducing inflammation
• preserving brain health
Too much fat can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, liver disease, and other health problems. However, the
type of fat a person eats makes a difference. Unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, are more healthful than
saturated fats, which tend to come from animals.
Water The adult human body is up to 60% water, and it needs water for many processes. Water contains
no calories, and it does not provide energy. Many people recommend consuming 2 liters, or 8 glasses, of
water a day, but it can also come from dietary sources, such as fruit and vegetables. Adequate hydration will
result in pale yellow urine. Requirements will also depend on an individual’s body size and age,
environmental factors, activity levels, health status, and so on.
Micronutrients Micronutrients are essential in small amounts. They include vitamins and minerals.
Manufacturers sometimes add these to foods. Examples include fortified cereals and rice.
Minerals
The body needs carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. It also needs dietary minerals, such as
iron, potassium, and so on. In most cases, a varied and balanced diet will provide the minerals a person
needs. If a deficiency occurs, a doctor may recommend supplements. Here are some of the minerals the body
needs to function well.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte. It enables the kidneys, the heart, the muscles, and the nerves to work properly.
The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume 4,700 milligramsTrusted
Source (mg) of potassium each day. Too little can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and kidney stones.
Too much may be harmful to people with kidney disease. Avocados, coconut water, bananas, dried fruit,
squash, beans, and lentils are good sources.
