Basic Aspects of

Food and Nutrition

BY
Dr.Preeti Chouhan
Professor
JIET College of Nursing

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 The Importance of Nutrition
People need certain nutrients on a regular basis to maintain health and
prevent disease.

 Nutrition is the study of the nutrients in food and how

they nourish the body.
 Nutrients are components of food that are needed for the
body to function.
 Restaurant and foodservice professionals need to
understand the nutritional needs of their customers.
 When restaurant and foodservice professionals understand
how to combine nutrition science and culinary arts, they are
able to provide food that is both delicious and healthful.

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 INTRODUCTION
• Nutrition, nourishment, or aliment refers to the
nurturing of our body to keep it healthy and
functioning as it is supposed to do. Nature has
provided a variety of foods for man to consume and
be healthy. We consume food for maintenance of
health, growth and to develop greater resistance
against infections.
• Nutrition as a science was found by Lavoiser (the
father of chemistry and also the father of nutrition)
towards the end of 18nth century.
• The science of nutrition is one of the youngest of the
sciences.
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 DEFINITIONS
FOOD: Food is the material consisting essentially of
protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of
an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital
processes and to furnish energy; also: such material
together with supplementary substances (as
minerals, vitamins, and condiments)
NUTRITION: Nutrition is an art and also a
science. Nutrition is defined as “the science of foods,
the nutrients and other substances, they are in
action, interaction and balancing in relation to
health and disease.”
HEALTH: Health is a state of complete physical,
mental, and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity. – World
Health Organization
 RELATION BETWEEN NUTRITION AND HEALTH
1. Achievement of optimal growth and development, reflecting the full expression of
one’ s genetic potential.
2. Maintenance of the structural integrity and functional efficiency of body
tissues necessary for an active and productive use.
3. Mental well-being

4. Ability to withstand the inevitable process of aging (Ageing is inevitable, but we may
soon treat it like any other disease. IT HAPPENS to everyone who lives long
enough, gradually at first and then suddenly. ) with minimal disability and functional
impairment.
5. Ability to combat diseases such as
a. resisting infections (immunocompetence)
b. preventing the onset of degenerative diseases (nutrients influencing and regulating
gene activity, both directly and indirectly, paves the way for personalized nutrition
that plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of chronic degenerative
diseases.)
c. resisting the effect of environmental toxins/ pollutants (fungi, algae, plants, or
bacteria )
 FUNCTIONS OF FOOD AND NUTRITION

1. Good Nutrition Provides Energy

2. Good Nutrition Provides Raw Materials
3. The "Little Helpers"
4. Good Nutrition Means Good Health
5. Prevention of Infections
6. Body development and maintenance
7. Nourishing and caring
8. Social functions of food
9. Psychological functions of food
importance of nutrition in food

Nutrition is a critical part of health and development.

Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and
maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer
pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-
communicable diseases (such as diabetes and
cardiovascular disease), and longevity. Healthy
children learn better.
 The Importance of Nutrition
People need certain nutrients on a regular basis to maintain health and
prevent disease.

 Nutrition is the study of the nutrients in food and how

they nourish the body.
 Nutrients are components of food that are needed for the
body to function.
 Restaurant and foodservice professionals need to
understand the nutritional needs of their customers.
 When restaurant and foodservice professionals understand
how to combine nutrition science and culinary arts, they are
able to provide food that is both delicious and healthful.

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Nutrients and their Sources
Nutrients and their Sources
Nutrients and their Sources

There are seven main classes of nutrients that the body

needs. These are carbohydrates, proteins, fats,
vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. It is important that
everyone consumes these seven nutrients on a daily
basis to help them build their bodies and maintain
their health. Deficiencies, excesses and imbalances in
diet can produce negative impacts on health, which
may lead to diseases.
Classification of essential nutrients
Based on the amount of the nutrients that each person needs to
consume on a daily basis, these nutrients are categorised into two
groups. These are macronutrients, which should be consumed in
fairly large amounts, and micronutrients, which are only required in
small amounts.
Macronutrients
‘Macro’ means large; as their name suggests these are nutrients
which people need to eat regularly and in a fairly large amount.
They include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fibre and water. These
substances are needed for the supply of energy and growth,
for metabolism and other body functions.
Metabolism means the process involved in the
generation of energy and all the ‘building blocks’
required to maintain the body and its functions.

Macronutrients provide a lot of calories but the

amount of calories provided varies, depending on the
food source. For example, each gram of carbohydrate
or protein provides four calories, while fat provides
nine calories for each gram.
Micronutrients

As their name indicates (‘micro’ means

small) micronutrients are substances which people
need in their diet in only small amounts. These include
minerals and vitamins.
Although most foods are mixtures of nutrients, many
of them contain a lot of one nutrient and a little of the
other nutrients. Foods are often grouped according to
the nutrient that they contain in abundance
 Nutrients: Carbohydrates
 Carbohydrates are the body’s main-energy source. They
help the body use protein and fat efficiently.
 Simple carbohydrates contain one or two sugars. They are
digested and absorbed quickly and provide a short burst of
energy:
 Glucose is a very important simple sugar. It is the primary
source of energy.
 Hormones are special chemical messengers made by bodies that
regulate different body functions.
 Complex carbohydrates contain long chains that include
many glucose molecules.
 Fiber is found only in plant food, along with starch and sugar. It is
the part of the plant that cannot be digested by people.
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starch, a white, granular, organic
chemical that is produced by all
green plants. Starch is a soft,
white, tasteless powder that is
insoluble in cold water, alcohol,
or other solvents. he basic
chemical formula of the starch
molecule is (C6H10O5)n
 Nutrients: Lipids
 Lipids is another word for fat. Lipids are a group of
molecules that include fats, oils, waxes, steroids, and
other compounds:
 Fat is an essential nutrient with many functions.
 Fats are solid at room temperature and often come from animals.
Oils are liquid at room temperature.
 Essential fatty acids are required for good nutrition.
 Oxidation is a chemical process that causes unsaturated fats to spoil.
 Cholesterol is a white, waxy substance that helps the body
carry out its many processes.
 Trans fatty acids are the result of taking a liquid fat and making it
solid.

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Nutrients: Lipids

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Nutrients: Lipids

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The skin contains the vitamin D precursor molecule: 7-
dehydrocholesterol. Under exposure to ultraviolet rays the precursor is
converted into cholecalciferol.

Bile acids are a large family of molecules that have a steroidal structure and
are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver and actively secreted along with
cholesterol and phospholipids into the bile. Aids in the digestion of fat via
fat emulsification.

Absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins.

Excretion of bilirubin and excess cholesterol.
Provides an alkaline fluid in the duodenum to neutralize the acidic pH of
the chyme that comes from the stomach.
“Oxidation” is a process which involves loss of
electrons".

The electrons all run towards the oxygen as fast as

they can. When they do this, they create a current that
completes the chemical reactions that give our cells
the energy they need to do stuff . This is the reason we
need to inhale oxygen all the time.
 Nutrients: Proteins
 Proteins are another class of nutrients that supply energy
to the body. They are needed to build new cells and repair
injured ones.
 Amino acids are chemical compounds that have special
functions in the body:
 Complete proteins are called complete because they contain all the
essential amino acids in the right amount.
 Incomplete proteins lack one or more of the essential amino
acids.
 Complementary proteins are two or more incomplete protein
sources that together provide adequate amounts of all the essential
amino acids.

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 Nutrients: Vitamins
and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals help in growth, reproduction, and the operation
and maintenance of the body.

 Without the right amounts of vitamins and minerals, people may

become deficient and develop deficiency-related diseases.
 Vitamins are chemical compounds found in food. They’re needed
for regulating metabolic processes, such as digestion, and the
absorption of nutrients.
 Minerals are classified as major or trace, according to how much is
needed in the diet.
 Some examples of major minerals are calcium, phosphorus,
potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
 Even though some minerals are needed in very tiny amounts,
getting the right amount is important to good health.
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 Nutrients: Water
 Water is an essential nutrient. It is essential to all forms of life.
 About 55 to 65 percent of the human body is water by weight.
Cells, tissues, and organs need water to function.
 Water has many important roles:
 Helping with the digestion, absorption, and transportation of
nutrients.
 Helping with the elimination of wastes through the kidneys,
colon,
and lungs.
 Distributing heat throughout the body and allowing heat to be
released through the skin by evaporation (sweating).
 Lubricating joints and cushioning body tissues.
 The human body can live a long time without many other
nutrients, but only a few days without water.

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 The Digestive System
 Digestion is the process of breaking down food into its
simplest parts so that it can be absorbed:
 Digestion begins in the mouth.
 The teeth grind food into smaller pieces and mix it with saliva.
 After you swallow food, the stomach breaks it down with the aid of
enzymes and acids, turning it into a fluid called chyme.
 The chyme moves to the small intestine, where the majority of
digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs.
 As the digestive system sends the nutrients to parts of the body to be
used, the wastes of digestion are sent to the large intestine.
 The large intestine absorbs water and stores feces for
elimination through the colon and anus.

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 Food Additives
A food additive is a chemical substance or combination of substances present in
food as a result of processing, production, or packaging.

 Many additives occur naturally or are extracted from food. Others are
synthetic but chemically identical to natural substances.
 All food additives are carefully regulated by the Food and Drug
Administration.
 Additives help keep food wholesome and appealing during transport
to
markets.
 Without additives, many food items would be less attractive, less flavorful, less
nutritious, more likely to spoil, and more costly.
Food additives are chemical substances added to foods to improve flavour, texture,
colour, appearance and consistency, or as preservatives during manufacturing or
processing. Herbs, spices, hops, salt, yeast, water, air and protein hydrolysates are
excluded from this definition. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, (300) is extracted from fruit, and
lecithin (322) from egg yolks. Aspartame, Benzoate, Monosodium glutamate Nitrates,
Sulphite, Tartrazine
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 A Healthy Diet
 Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are recommended daily nutrient
and energy intake amounts for healthy people of a particular age range
and gender.
 Recommended Dietary Allowances are daily nutrient standards
established by the U.S. government.
 Adequate intakes are similar to RDAs. They also identify daily
intake levels for healthy people.
 A vegetarian is a person who consumes no meat, fish, or poultry
products:
 Lacto-vegetarians consume vegetarian items plus dairy products
 Lacto-ovo-vegetarians consume vegetarian items plus dairy products and eggs.
 A vegan follows the strictest diet of all and will consume no dairy, eggs, meat,
poultry, fish, or anything containing an animal product or byproduct.

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 A Healthy Diet (cont.)
 The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 offers science-based
advice about food choices to promote health and reduce risk for major
chronic diseases:
 Malnutrition is a condition that occurs when a body does not get enough
nutrients.
 A person who is overweight or obese has a weight that is greater than
what is generally considered healthy.
 Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones gradually lose their
minerals and become weak and fragile.
 Iron-deficiency anemia is a lack of iron in a person’s blood.
 Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels.
 Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body cannot regulate blood
sugar properly.
 To reduce the risk of cancer, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limit red
meat, and exercise.

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Reducing Excessive Fats
 Saturated fats (butter, lard, tropical oils) and trans fats
(margarine, shortening) can be reduced by using less and
replacing them with alternative products.
 Using high-quality lean meat is a good strategy for
replacing the large amounts of fat found in prime cuts.
 For food items that can’t be changed, limit the frequency
with which they are eaten or decrease the portion size that is
served.
 When making substitutions, remember the purpose for the
substitution and the role that fat plays in the food item. Not
all fats can be reduced, removed, or replaced.

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 (Summary)

 Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food and how they nourish

the body.
 The six basic nutrients found in food are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water.
 Food additives improve flavor, color, and texture; retain
nutritional value; prevent spoilage; and extend shelf life.
 Digestion breaks down food into its simplest parts.
 A healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-
free or low-fat milk and milk products. It includes lean meats,
poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. It is low in saturated fats, trans
fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.
 Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not
get enough nutrients.
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 The Six Nutrients For Health

 Carbohydrates
 Proteins
 Fats
 Fibers
 Vitamins
 Water

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 Carbohydrates (CHO)

 Compounds composed of single or multiple

Sugars
 Simple Carbohydrates
 Complex Carbohydrates
 Main source of energy for fueling body
 Body can store CHO as glycogen for later use
 60-65% of calories should come from CHO
 Need 100-130 grams/day for protein sparing
 Provide 4 calories/gram

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 Simple Carbohydrates

 These include monosaccharides and

disaccharides
 Recommend limiting specific CHO in
diet
 Foods that fall into this category
 Cakes
 Candy
 Cookies
 Pies
 Soda
 Table Sugar 39
 Complex Carbohydrates

 These include 2 types of polysaccharides

 Starches and Fiber
 Recommend that majority of CHO in diet
come from complex CHO
 Foods that fall into this category include
 Beans (black, kidney, refried)
 Fruit, especially fresh fruit
 Fruits (fresh or frozen over canned)
 Whole grains
• Whole wheat bread, pasta and cereals, brown rice, etc.

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 Importance of Dietary Fiber
 Promotes feeling of fullness after eating
 Beneficial for weight loss/maintenance
 Helps prevent Diverticulosis*
 Reduces blood cholesterol levels
 Reduces heart disease and stroke
 Slows digestion and absorption of CHO
 Improves body’s handling of insulin and glucose
 May reduce risk of colon cancer

Diverticulosis is the condition of having multiple pouches

(diverticula) in the colon that are not inflamed. These are outpockets
of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through weaknesses of
muscle layers in the colon wall. They typically cause no symptoms.

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Special Reasons to Pay Extra
Attention to Carbohydrates

 Diabetes (Type I and Type II)

 Hypoglycemia
 Sports Nutrition
 Obesity Control

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 Diabetes
 This is high Sugar levels
 Fasting level > 140mg/dL
 There are 2 types of
diabetics
 Type I: insulin dependent; pancreas is not
producing insulin; typically in child/young adults
 Type II: non-insulin dependent; pancreas is
producing insulin but cells aren’t responding;
typically in overweight adults
 Diet and exercise are the best, natural ways to
control blood sugar levels
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 Hypoglycemia

 This is low sugar/ glucose level

 Fasting level < 70mg/dL
 Diet is the best way to treat this condition

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 Sports Nutrition

 Athletes or individuals that exercise regularly need to

make sure their diet is rich in CHO for several reasons:
 Energy
 Helps recovery from a hard workout or event
 Replenishes glycogen stores after they have been depleted from
exercise

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 Weight Control

 CHO can be a smart and healthy choice for

weight control when eaten properly
 Watch portion size
 Choose the right kind of CHO
 CHO are not fattening per say; HOWEVER
 If one eats too many CHO in the diet, the body will
convert the glucose to fat and will store it in adipose
tissue

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 Proteins
 Compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and
nitrogen arranged in strands of amino acids
 15-20% of calories should come from protein
 Protein in foods provide 4 calories/gram

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 Types of Proteins in Body
 Enzymes
 Hormones
 Antibodies
 Cell Receptors
 Transporters
 Structural Components

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 Roles of Proteins in Body

 Supports growth and maintenance

 Builds enzymes, hormones, antibodies
 Maintains fluid and electrolyte balance
 Maintains acid-base balance
 Provides energy

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 Protein Foods

 Meat, Poultry, Fish

 Cheese, Cottage cheese
 Nuts
 Peanut Butter
 Eggs
 Soy products such as Tofu

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Special Reasons to Pay Extra
Attention to Protein Intake
 Children
 Important due to growing
 Diabetes
 Hypoglycemia
 Athlete/Exerciser
 Need more protein than sedentary individuals to
help rebuild muscle and tissue
 Renal (kidney) Disease

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 Renal Disease

 Individuals that suffer from renal insufficiency have

specific protein needs
 Before Dialysis
 Decrease protein in diet
 During Dialysis
 Increase protein in diet

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 Fats

 Lipids that are solid at room temperature

 Main source of energy storage
 20-30% of calories should come from fat
 Fat provides 9 calories/gram

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 Types of Lipids

 Fatty Acids
 Triglycerides
 Storage form of fatty acid
 Phospholipids
 Sterols
 Cholesterol

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 Usefulness of Fats

 Fuel
 Storage of energy
 Protection from the environment
 Absorption of fat soluble vitamins
 Provides flavors and texture to foods
 Satiety

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 Different Types of Fats

 Monounsaturated
 Polyunsaturated
 Essential Fatty Acids
 Omega 3
 Omega 6
 Saturated
 Trans Fatty Acid

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 Monounsaturated Fats

 These fats are considered healthy fats

 Sources of monounsaturated fats
 Canola Oil
 Olive Oil

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 Polyunsaturated Fats

 These are considered healthier fats

 Sources of polyunsaturated fats
 Safflower Oil
 Sunflower Oil
 Corn Oil

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 Saturated Fats

 These fats are the “bad” fats

 These are the fats that raise cholesterol in the blood and
lead to heart disease
 Sources of saturated fats
 Coconut Oil
 Butterfat
 Trans Fatty Acids

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 Trans Fatty Acids

 These are the “newer” discovery of bad fats

 Have unusual shapes that can arise when
polyunsaturated oils are hydrogenated
 Sources of trans fat
 Margarines and shortenings
 Salad dressings and mayonnaise
 Biscuits, cookies, crackers
 Chips, doughnuts
 Fried foods

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Special Reasons to Pay Extra
Attention to Fat Intake

 Heart Disease
 High Cholesterol
 Thrombosis
 Obesity
 Removal of Gallbladder

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 Heart Disease
 Number 1 killer in USA
 A high fat diet causes arteries to clog and build up
plaque
 High Cholesterol
 Total Cholesterol
 < 200 mg/dL
 LDL Cholesterol: “Bad”
 < 100 mg/dL
 HDL Cholesterol “Healthy”
 > 60 mg/dL
 Triglycerides
 < 150
mg/dL
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 Thrombosis
 Stationary blood clot that closes off a blood vessel
 Embolism
 A blood clot that breaks loose
• This leads to a heart attack or stroke depending on
where the breakage occurs
• Obesity
 High fat diets lead to increase risk of weight gain
 Remember that fat has the most calories per gram out of the 3
macronutrients
 Obesity increases the risk of
 Diabetes
 Heart disease/stroke
 Hypertension
 Mobility problesm

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