 Nutritional GlossaryPresented By: Bruce Bonner Protein:Next to water, protein is the second most plentiful substance in our body, making up 20% of one’s body weight. Organs, muscles, skin, hair and nails consist mainly of protein. Each protein molecule is comprised of smaller units called amino acids. There are 20 amino acids of which 8 are essential, meaning the body cannot manufacture them and must come from the diet. The best food sources are Meat, Poultry, Eggs, Dairy, Fish and Seafood. Carbohydrate:The primary energy source for one’s body. Just as the automobile runs on gasoline the body runs on carbohydrate. All carbohydrate comes from plants and the word starch is often used interchangeably with carbohydrate to describe foods like potato, bread, pasta etc. Each carbohydrate molecule consists of smaller units called sugars. Various types of sugars include glucose, fructose, lactose, sucrose and more. The body functions most efficiently on complex rather than refined or “white” carbohydrates. The best food sources are Whole Grains, Whole Grain Breads, Beans and Legumes, Vegetables and Fruits. Fats:Fats perform many essential functions in the body. They are necessary to form the structure of all cells and play key roles in all metabolic activities within the cell. Furthermore, fat is used as an energy “reserve” for the body in times of need. Fats and oils, also called lipids, come in many forms, shapes and sizes. Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are some examples. Small molecules called fatty acids, are the building blocks of all fats and oils both in our body and in our foods. Two fats, Omega 3 and Omega 6 are known as essential fatty acids (EFA’s), meaning they must come from one’s diet because the body cannot make them. The best food sources are Deep-Water Fish (Salmon, Cod, Herring etc.), Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (Extra Virgin Olive, Extra Virgin Coconut and Flaxseed), Nuts and Seeds, Butter. Vitamins:Vitamins are the biochemical “nuts and bolts” that enable the large molecules of proteins, carbohydrates and fats comprising one’s tissues to function as a coordinated unit. As coenzymes, vitamins work with enzymes, thereby allowing all activities that occur in the body to be carried out, as they should. Vitamins like A, C, E and B complex, must be obtained from food. Both plant and animal sources are known for their particular concentration of one or more essential vitamin(s). Minerals:Minerals are required by all living cells, plant and animal, for function and structure. For example minerals are needed for the formation of bone and blood, and for the composition of all bodily fluids such as saliva and perspiration. Like vitamins, minerals function as co-enzymes, enabling the body to perform its functions including, energy production, growth and healing. All enzyme activities involve minerals; therefore minerals are essential for proper utilization of vitamins and other nutrients. Major minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium as well as the trace elements like zinc, iron, and copper must be acquired from foods. Again, various animal and plant sources offer variable concentrations of the minerals needed by humans. With all of these factors to consider make an appointment with me and enjoy the benefits of: 1. Discovering the exact vitamins and minerals your body needs.This is done through a safe, non-invasive computerized testing program. 2. Saving time and money not buying and trying supplements you don’t need.3. Creating a comprehensive diet plan customized to your individual body type.Book Your Appointment Now And Discover What You Need To Have Vibrant Health! Bruce Bonner - (613) 288-2225 - bbonner@backinbalancechiro.ca Game Day Nutrition (Click To Read) |
