A Balanced Diet Flash Cards

A Balanced Diet

Carbohydrates = Provide Energy

Fats (lipids) = act as an energy store, provide insulation, make up cell membranes and protect organs.

Proteins = Needed for growth, the repair of tissues and to make up enzymes.

Vitamins = different vitamins perform different function e.g. vitamin K is used for blood clotting

Mineral Salts = different mineral salts perform different functions e.g. iron is used to make haemoglobin in the blood

Fibre = aids movement of food through gut

Water = used in metabolic reactions e.g. breathing and in urination/sweating

Malnutrition is caused by having too little or too much of some nutrients in a diet. Getting too little = deficiency illnesses e.g. too little iron causes anaemia.

Obesity can increase the risk of diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, CHD and some forms of cancer.

Coronary Heart Disease is the result of reduced blood flow to the heart. It can lead to chest pain and heart attacks and is caused by atherosclerosis.

HDLs are high density lipoproteins which are mainly protein. They transport cholesterol from tissues to the liver where it's recycled or excreted. They reduce cholesterol.

LDLs are low density lipoproteins which are mainly lipid. They transport cholesterol from the liver to the blood where it circulates until it's needed. They increase cholesterol.