Health Unit 2

enzyme

A large protein molecule responsible for facilitating biochemical reactions within the body.

complete protein

A protein source that contains all the essential amino acids

nutrients

Chemical substances that are absorbed by the body through the process of digestion.

Protein

Every cell, every tissue, and every organ consists mainly of protein. It is the second most abundant substance in the body and is essential to cellular construction, reproduction, and maintenance. It can also be used for energy.

Calorie

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1 degree Celsius. They exist in abundance in foods that contain starch and sugar.

Water

The basis of good nutrition. Without it, the body cannot survive for more than a couple of days. Eight to ten cups of it must be ingested every day in order to maintain the right level of hydration. This might seem like a lot, but your body is over 60 percent water. The blood is over 80 percent water.

Carbohydrates

The body's primary and immediate source of energy.

catabolism

The conversion of nutrients into energy.

Fat

The most concentrated form of energy, yielding 9 Calories per gram. There are two types of dietary fats, saturated and unsaturated.

metabolism

The process by which a cell converts nutrients into energy or materials for growth, repair, reproduction, and maintenance.

anabolism

The process by which the cell uses nutrients to repair or build new tissues.

nutrition

The proper supply of nutrients essential for growth, reproduction, repair, immunity, and energy.

Vitamin E

aids blood flow, prevent heart disease

Vitamin A

aids in the health, function, and repair of skin cells, helps sight

Vitamin C

plays an essential role in the reproduction of bone tissue