Applied Nutrition Topic

APPLIED NUTRITION TOPICS
Physiology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of the functions and
mechanisms of living organisms and their parts, including how they function individually and
interact with one another. It explores processes such as respiration, circulation, digestion,
and reproduction in various organisms, aiming to understand how living systems work at the
molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels.
Digestion is the process by which the body breaks down food into smaller molecules that
can be absorbed and utilized for energy, growth, and repair. Digestion is a crucial process for
obtaining nutrients and energy necessary for the body’s functioning and maintaining overall
health. It involves both mechanical and chemical processes and occurs in several stages:
1. Ingestion: Food is taken into the mouth.

2. Mechanical Digestion: Food is mechanically broken down into smaller pieces
through chewing and mixing with saliva in the mouth, and further mixing and churning
in the stomach.
3. Chemical Digestion: Enzymes and acids break down large molecules into smaller
ones that can be absorbed. In the mouth, saliva contains enzymes that start breaking
down carbohydrates. In the stomach, gastric juices break down proteins, and in the
small intestine, enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver help break down
fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into their building blocks.
4. Absorption: Small molecules resulting from digestion are absorbed through the walls
of the small intestine into the bloodstream for distribution to cells throughout the
body.
5. Elimination: Undigested materials and waste products are eliminated from the body
as feces.
Absorption is the process by which nutrients, water, and other substances are taken up from
the digestive tract into the bloodstream or lymphatic system for distribution throughout the
body. After digestion in the small intestine, nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, fatty
acids, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed through the lining of the small intestine into the
bloodstream. Absorption is a crucial step in the digestive process, allowing the body to
utilize the nutrients obtained from food for various physiological functions.
Transport in digestion refers to the movement of nutrients, water, and other substances
through the digestive system and across cell membranes for absorption and distribution
throughout the body. This process involves various mechanisms and systems to ensure that
nutrients are efficiently transported to where they are needed. Overall, transport in digestion
ensures that nutrients obtained from food are effectively absorbed and transported to cells
throughout the body to support growth, energy production, and maintenance of
physiological functions.
Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients essential for the human diet, alongside
proteins and fats. They are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
atoms. Carbohydrates serve as a primary source of energy for the body and play important
roles in various physiological processes.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of carbohydrates:
1. Sugar: Sugars are simple carbohydrates that consist of one or two sugar molecules.
Common examples include glucose, fructose, sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk
sugar), and maltose (found in grains). Sugars are naturally present in fruits,
vegetables, and dairy products, as well as added to many processed foods and
beverages.
2. Starches: Starches are complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of glucose
molecules. They are abundant in foods such as grains (wheat, rice, corn), legumes
(beans, lentils, peas), and starchy vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes). Starches
are broken down into glucose during digestion and serve as a major source of energy
in the diet.
3. Fiber: Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods that cannot be fully
digested by the human body. It passes through the digestive tract relatively intact and
provides bulk to stool, helping to promote regular bowel movements and prevent
constipation. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and
legumes. There are two main types of fiber: soluble fiber, which dissolves in water and
helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels, and insoluble fiber, which
does not dissolve in water and adds bulk to stool.
In summary, carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and fiber, all of which play important
roles in providing energy, supporting bodily functions, and maintaining overall health. It’s
essential to consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of carbohydrate sources to
meet the body’s energy needs and obtain important nutrients.
Lipids, triglycerides, glycerides, and proteins are essential components of the human diet
and play critical roles in various physiological functions. Here’s a brief overview of each:
1. Lipids: Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water
but soluble in organic solvents like alcohol and ether. They include fats, oils,
phospholipids, and cholesterol. Lipids serve several important functions in the body,
including energy storage, insulation, protection of organs, and cell membrane
structure.
2. Triglycerides: Triglycerides are the most common type of lipid found in the body and
in foods. They consist of three fatty acid molecules attached to a glycerol molecule.
Triglycerides serve as a major form of energy storage in adipose tissue (fat cells) and
are also important for providing energy during metabolism.
3. Glycerides: Glycerides are a broad class of lipids that include triglycerides,
monoacylglycerols, and diacylglycerols. They are composed of glycerol molecules
attached to one, two, or three fatty acid chains. Glycerides are found in many foods
and are important for providing energy and contributing to the flavor and texture of
foods.
4. Proteins: Proteins are complex macromolecules composed of amino acids linked
together by peptide bonds. They serve a wide variety of functions in the body,
including structural support, enzymatic catalysis, transport of molecules, immune
defense, and regulation of cellular processes. Proteins are essential for growth,
repair, and maintenance of tissues and organs.
In summary, lipids, including triglycerides and glycerides, are important for energy storage
and various physiological functions, while proteins are vital for numerous biological
processes and structural components in the body. A balanced diet that includes a variety of
lipid and protein sources is crucial for maintaining overall health and proper functioning of
the body.

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APPLIED NUTRITION TOPICS

1. Ingestion: Food is taken into the mouth.

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of carbohydrates:

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