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UNDERSTANDING FOOD COMPOSITION
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. As a cheap source of energy, they are widely consumed, and form the basis of the diet of much of the human population.
• Complex carbohydrates (long chains of sugar molecules) – take longer to be broken down by the human body, and are found in foods such as bread, rice, pasta and potatoes.
• Simple carbohydrates (short chains or single molecules) – generally known as sugars, they are broken down more quickly in the body. They are found in foods such as honey, glucose syrup, dried fruits and soft drinks.
• Dietary Fibre – this is sometimes classified as a carbohydrate, and sometimes not. Dietary fibre comes from plant cells and is important for digestion. Fibre is found in wholegrain food products such as brown rice and wholemeal bread.
Proteins
Proteins are molecular compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen atoms. Every cell in the body is partly composed of proteins.
Protein is a structural material required for growth and repair, and replacement of damaged tissues.
It is also required for the process of living, for glandular secretions, enzymes and hormones. Excess protein can be broken down and converted to a variety of metabolic products, and can be used to contribute to energy cycles in the body.
When broken down efficiently, protein typically accounts for 10-15% of energy generated in cells.
Nitrogen which is not used by the body during energy production is excreted (removed) from the body as a waste product in urine. It is for the reasons outlined above, that protein is very important to athletes.
Plants manufacture their own protein, but humans cannot do this. People must be provided with ready-made protein either in animal or plant foods.
Protein is commonly divided up into plant and animal proteins. Foods high in protein include all meats, fish, peas, beans, legumes, egg, milk and cheese.
Proteins consist of a chain of hundreds or more amino acid units – amino acids are the building blocks of protein held together by bonds. There are only approximately 20 different amino acids which the human body uses to synthesise proteins.
By being linked together in different combinations and proportions, an almost endless variety of different proteins can be formed from the amino acids.
The body has limited powers of converting one amino acid into another as the need arises. There are, however 10 amino acids which cannot be manufactured by the body in sufficient quantities, and these 10 are known as “essential amino acids” or “conditionally essential” amino acids which means the need for them alters depending on age.
The essential amino acids must be provided in the diet every day. Amino acids which are ingested are not able to be stored in the body. The essential amino acids are: Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine.
The amount of protein required depends on both your level of exercise and your overall weight.
Fats
Fats are also compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen but they contain less oxygen than carbohydrates. Fats are solid at room temperature, whereas oils are liquid. Humans convert excess carbohydrate into fat.
Fats have various roles in the body and are vital in maintaining human health through maintaining body temperature and promoting cell function. With regards to nutrition, fats do serve as an energy source for the body.
As stated above, fats converted from carbohydrates or fat molecules can be directly stored in adipose (fat) tissue can be broken down in the body to release glycerol and fatty acids.
0The glycerol can be converted to glucose by the liver and therefore can be used as a source of energy.
Fatty acids (one of the components of fats), depending on their molecular structure, can be termed saturated, unsaturated, mono-saturated or polyunsaturated.
Why not consider purchasing an Ebooks To Complement This Course
Discover a better understanding of food and nutrition, what to eat and what to avoid. Human Nutrition is an ideal introductory text for students and anyone else interested in learning how diet and harm or help human health.
Human Nutrition eBook course online. It’s surprising how little most people know about the human body and how it works. If we all spent just a small amount of time educating ourselves, we would save years in terms of health problems and hundreds of pounds otherwise spent on health care.
Throughout history there has been a vast array of nutritional claims and dietary advice. For example, there is evidence of dietary regimes involving fasting as far back as in Ancient Greece and many examples since of diet being used either to restrict intake to lose weight or to act as a cure for a medical complaint. This book will give you the background necessary to understand these theories and make better choices for yourself.
Book Contents
Chapter 1 The Digestive System -Everyone is different
Nutrition and nutrients
Digestion
General health recommendations
Examples of serving size
Chapter 2. Modyfying Diet for a Particular Lifestyle or Genetic Disposition
Lifestyle
Cultural differences
Genetic considerations
Chapter 3. Foods and Nutrition
Why do we need to know the nutritional content in foods?
Nutrients provided by the five food groups
Chapter 4. Nutrition and Health Disorders
How diet may affect skin
Diet and our bones, joints and muscles
Nutrition and the heart
Diet and the respiratory system
Diet and the urinary system
Diet and the digestive system
Diet and the brain/mental
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
CMA – Complementary Medical Association
Human Nutrition