Nutrition
Therapies for Calorie Control
Calories in Vegetables & Fruits
Calories in Vegetables & Fruits
Nutrients are substances necessary for proper bodily function. Some are required in large quantities (macronutrients) and some are required is small quantities (micronutrients). There are 4 types of macronutrients: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats and Water and two types of micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals.
Macronutrients
Proteins
Proteins are the basic structure of all living cells. Proteins are used in making hormones, blood plasma transport systems, and enzymes. The basic building blocks of proteins are called amino acids. There are two types of proteins complete and incomplete. Amino acids are categorized as essential and nonessential. Of the twenty amino acids that have been identified, nine are considered essential amino acids those that are not manufactured by the body, these must come from dietary intake. The body can manufacture the non-essential amino acids from the by-products of carbohydrate metabolism. Amino Acids are crucial for proper Central Nervous System (CNS) function.
Meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs contain complete proteins. Incomplete proteins such as vegetables,grains, seeds, and nuts are those which do not contain all nine essential amino acids by themselves.However, combinations of incomplete protein foods or mutual supplementation can supply all nine essential amino acids such as beans with rice or peanut butter on wheat bread. Therefore vegetarians can get all the amino acids required by combining incomplete protein foods. It is not necessary to combine proteins at the same meal as many people believe. Therefore a breakfast of one incomplete protein and a dinner of another incomplete protein will provide the benefits of eating a complete protein.
Examples of Protein rich foods:
High Fat - Meat, salmon, eggs, peanut butter, milk, cheese
Low Fat - Tuna, egg whites, red beans, skim milk, non-fat cheese
Proteins begin digestion in the stomach but are primarily digested in the small intestine and metabolized by the liver for the building of tissue. Proteins not required for building can be utilized as an energy source and can provide 4 calories per gram. About 98% of the protein from animal sources and about 80% of the protein from vegetable sources is absorbed by the body.
Fasting causes the body to use protein as an energy source even to the point of breaking down vital tissues such as organs and muscles to use as an energy source. Excess protein, not utilized for tissue repair or growth or as an energy source is converted by the body to fat and stored. Protein requirements depend on the individual and daily activity. Tissue growth, whether due to growth, injury, weight training, or pregnancy, can effect protein requirements. During illness, protein is not only required for repair but is generally used as an energy source. According to RDA requirements, an adultshould consume approximately 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight on a daily basis (0.8 grams of protein per kg of body weight) as a minimum requirement. As an example, a 150-pound person should consume approximately 50 grams of protein daily. This translates to 200 calories of protein daily.
As a general rule, for intense weight training, up to 1 gram per pound of body weight may be consumed. Since protein metabolism produces nitrogen in the body this creates an extra workload for the kidneys and liver to eliminate the excess. Dehydration can occur because the kidneys require increased amounts of water to dilute the nitrogen. Dehydration can impede workout performance. It's therefore important to adequately hydrate when consuming increased levels of protein. Hair-loss and thinning, as well as, brittle and discolored fingernails can be external manifestations of protein deficiencies. Internal ramifications can be muscle wasting, weak ligaments and cellular dysfunction since amino acids will be in short supply. Muscle growth will also be limited or unavailable due to an insufficient amount of protein.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are utilized for energy, both instant and sustained. When insufficient carbohydrates are taken in, the body must utilize proteins for energy even to the point of catabolizing muscle tissue for energy.
Digestive enzymes in the small intestines break down the carbohydrates into glucose. The glucose can be immediately utilized by the body or stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver. The muscles can store about 20 minutes of glycogen for energy. The bloodstream can hold about an hour of glucose for energy. If glucose levels are maximized and all glycogen storage locations are full then the excess glucose is converted to fat by the liver and stored in adipose tissue or fat cells. There is really no limit to the amount of fat that a body can store. According to studies at the University of Massachusetts, carbohydrates are generally converted to fat at the rate of 75% where 25% of the carbohydrates are used in the conversion process.
Fiber
Fiber is a form of carbohydrate. Approximately 20 grams of dietary fiber is required in our diets. Fiber facilitates elimination and decreases appetite as a bulking agent. Fiber also inhibits the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream. It has also been shown that fiber slows the absorption of sucrose into the bloodstream. This can be important in the treatment of type II diabetes. Too much fiber in the diet can restrict the absorption of necessary vitamins and minerals. Excess carbohydrates are converted into fat by the liver and stored in adipose tissue. Sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes. Consuming large amounts of sugar prior to exercise can actually inhibit performance. This produces a drastic increase in blood sugar. This causes the pancreas to secrete large amounts of insulin to metabolize the sugar. All this insulin inhibits the metabolization of fat by the muscles. Therefore, the muscles rely more on glycogen, which is in limited supply. The insulin reduces blood sugar level, which is already being reduced by the muscle utilization of glycogen stores for energy production. The blood sugar level reduces to a level, which may not only cause fatigue but dizziness as well. Therefore consumption of excess sugar prior to exercise reduces performance and endurance.
Fat is required for the production of cell membranes, blood lipids (body fat), bile (fat emulsifier), steroids and vitamin D. Fats molecules are made up of glycerol and fatty acids. Body fat is also instrumental in body temperature regulation as insulation. Minimum body fat percentages of 7% for men and 12% for women are recommended. Fats are also utilized for the transport and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. In addition, fats are the only source of linoleic acid, which is required for skin growth and maintenance. Minimum daily requirement for unsaturated fat is 10 grams and 15 grams is preferred.
Fat is essential to survival
A fat-less diet can lead to severe problems. Linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, is used by the liver to manufacture arachidonic acid. This super polyunsaturated fat is used in cell membranes along with protein. When needed, this fatty acid is converted into a group of chemicals that regulate blood pressure, contractions in childbirth, blood clotting, peristalsis (gut motion), and the immune system. These chemicals are short lived and are manufactured locally as needed. Cholesterol belongs to the same chemical family as steroids and is related to fat. It is important for the production of cell membranes, myelin sheaths around nerves, sex hormones, bile, and vitamin D. Dietary cholesterol is the cholesterol consumed from the diet. Blood Serum cholesterol is the amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. The two are not closely related. Some people consume large quantities of dietary cholesterol and have a low serum cholesterol level. And, conversely, some people have high blood serum levels and consume very little dietary cholesterol. Conversion from dietary to blood serum cholesterol varies for each person and ranges from 20% to 90% of the amount consumed. Blood serum cholesterol levels should remain below 200 mg per deciliter to be considered "normal" according to recent studies. This number represents only 10% of the total amount of cholesterol in the body. The rest is contained in cell membranes and other body tissues. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends a dietary cholesterol consumption of no more than 300 mg per day. The body requires no intake of cholesterol but manufactures all the cholesterol it needs from dietary fat and produces about 1000 mg per day.
A fat-less diet can lead to severe problems. Linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, is used by the liver to manufacture arachidonic acid. This super polyunsaturated fat is used in cell membranes along with protein. When needed, this fatty acid is converted into a group of chemicals that regulate blood pressure, contractions in childbirth, blood clotting, peristalsis (gut motion), and the immune system. These chemicals are short lived and are manufactured locally as needed. Cholesterol belongs to the same chemical family as steroids and is related to fat. It is important for the production of cell membranes, myelin sheaths around nerves, sex hormones, bile, and vitamin D. Dietary cholesterol is the cholesterol consumed from the diet. Blood Serum cholesterol is the amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. The two are not closely related. Some people consume large quantities of dietary cholesterol and have a low serum cholesterol level. And, conversely, some people have high blood serum levels and consume very little dietary cholesterol. Conversion from dietary to blood serum cholesterol varies for each person and ranges from 20% to 90% of the amount consumed. Blood serum cholesterol levels should remain below 200 mg per deciliter to be considered "normal" according to recent studies. This number represents only 10% of the total amount of cholesterol in the body. The rest is contained in cell membranes and other body tissues. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends a dietary cholesterol consumption of no more than 300 mg per day. The body requires no intake of cholesterol but manufactures all the cholesterol it needs from dietary fat and produces about 1000 mg per day.
Types of Cholesterol transport systems
There are basically two types of Cholesterol transport systems, Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). Each type is a fat carrying protein. LDL, the bad cholesterol carrier, transports cholesterol to the cells and is associated with Arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arterial walls. HDL, the good cholesterol carrier, transports cholesterol to the liver where it is processed for excretion or broken down for other uses. Monosaturated and Polyunsaturated fats lower LDL levels and increase HDL whereas Saturated fats increase LDL levels. The goal is therefore to minimize the LDL cholesterol by reducing the dietary intake of saturated fats. The food label may tout "no cholesterol" but the body manufactures cholesterol from saturated fats.
Arteriosclerosis is a condition where the arteries become occluded. This is caused by a lesion, which develops just under the inner lining of the arterial wall. This swelling, composed of fibrous protein, accumulates LDL carried cholesterol as blood platelets begin to stick to the damaged area. This accumulation reduces the inner diameter of the artery and subsequently leads to a decreased flow of blood through the artery. The platelets continue to accumulate at the injured site until a clot is formed, blocking all blood flow to the heart. The area of the heart normally being fed by this artery becomes injured. This is known as a heart attack.
Cardiovascular health is a result of proper diet and exercise. Genetics may predispose someone to high blood pressure or heart disease; however, diet, exercise and medication can lessen the impact and improve longevity.
Water
Water is essential for all energy production in the body. Water is also used for temperature regulation and waste elimination and is essential to cell processes. An inadequate supply of water can result in up to a 30% reduction of energy. Between 50% and 70% of the body weight is water. Insufficient water in the body results in a decrease of blood volume thereby reducing the overall oxygen transport ability of the blood to properly supply the muscles during exercise. Since blood is used to regulate body temperature, inadequate cooling of the body occurs. The heart rate increases as the cardiovascular system is stressed and overheating occurs leading to possible heat stroke or heat exhaustion. We can survive without other nutrients for several weeks. However, we can only survive without water for about one week. Water is used to emulsify solutions within the body and transport them to the various tissues including the transport of waste byproducts.
Thirst is not an accurate measure of the body's water requirement. Age and environment alter the thirst mechanism. Therefore, a quantitative schedule must be utilized to adequately hydrate the body. Two hours prior to exercising in a hot environment, the participant should consume 2-3 cups of water and another 1-2 cups about 15 minutes before exercising. During exercise, about 4 ounces of water should be consumed every 15 minutes to replace water lost through sweat and maintain blood volume. As a guide for each pound of body weight lost through sweating while exercising, drink two 8oz. glasses of water. A loss of only two-percent of body weight through sweating can bring on the onset of dehydration. Adults should drink about 2 1/2 quarts of water per day.
Early signs of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite. Advanced dehydration is manifested by rapid pulse, shortness of breath, deep yellow urine, blurred vision and hearing loss. Cold water is absorbed into the body from the stomach faster than warm water. Recent studies suggest that drinks containing up to 10% sugar are almost as readily absorbed from the stomach. These sugary drinks have been shown to improve endurance in events lasting 2 to 3 hours. However, for fat burning purposes, consumption of sugary drinks will provide carbohydrate energy to the exercising muscles and possibly stave off fat metabolization for use as energy.
Therefore, if your intent is performance, then consume sports drinks. However, if the purpose of the exercise session is to burn fat, then drink water only. The glycogen stores in the muscles will run out in about 20 minutes and the body will be forced to metabolize stored fat for continued energy. Consumption of salt in excess of recommended dietary requirements draws water out of the cells thereby impairing cellular function. Salt depletion may occur during endurance type exercises and when consuming water only. Salt tablets are not recommended because they draw water out of the body and into the stomach. In cold weather, urine production is increased therefore it is just as important to properly hydrate in cold weather environments as it is in hot weather.
Micronutrients
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds not manufactured by the body other than proteins, carbohydrates and fats that are required for growth, maintenance and repair. Vitamins require no digestion and are absorbed directly into the blood stream. The thirteen vitamins identified are divided into two groups, fat-soluble and water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins, which include A, D, E, and K are stored in the liver and in body fat.
Mega doses of fat-soluble vitamins can produce a toxic effect in the liver and can accumulate in the tissues. Symptoms of toxicity are bone and joint pain, blurred vision, dry skin, and hair and weight loss. The body does not store water-soluble vitamins. The kidneys excrete excess or Mega doses of these vitamins. However, toxicity has been reported with A, niacin, C, D and B6.
Minerals
Minerals, in contrast to vitamins, are inorganic. Minerals also require no digestion. Some minerals are stored in the liver. It is important not to consume Mega doses of minerals on a regular basis above those amounts recommended.
Minerals are divided into two groups, major and trace minerals. Major minerals are those that are required by the body in quantities greater than 100 mg per day and include Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Chloride and Sodium. Trace minerals are those that are required by the body in quantities less than 100 mg per day. Trace minerals are Iron, Copper, Zinc, Iodine and Selenium.
Daily Caloric Requirements
A pound is equivalent to 3500 calories. To over simplify, if you want to lose one pound per week, reduce your caloric consumption by 3500 calories per week. Consuming less than 1500 calories per day on a regular basis reduces the basal metabolic rate. When the metabolic rate is reduced, fewer calories can be consumed. Excess calories will be stored as fat. This is why it's important to combine exercise with diet in order to affect weight loss.
Your basal metabolic rate is the basic minimum number of calories that are required to maintain your body weight based on average body composition. To calculate your basal metabolic rate:
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) = 24 * Weight (lb)/2.2
OR
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) = 24 * Weight (kg)
Generally, eating more than this number of calories increases weight and less than this number allows weight reduction. However, BMR does not take into account extremes of activity or inactivity. Therefore, BMR should be used as an approximation. Various activities will increase caloric requirements above the BMR.
Protein, Carbohydrate and Fat Dietary Requirements
Proper nutrition requires a balanced intake of Protein, Carbohydrates and Fat. Protein and Carbohydrates are both 4 calories per gram. Fat is 9 calories per gram. An example follows for a daily caloric requirement of 2000 calories. The amount of grams of each will vary according to your daily caloric requirement (based on BMR). However, the percentages should remain the same for all. The following example is for a daily caloric requirement of 2000 calories:
Protein 4 cal/g 30% of total = 600 cal (protein) = 150g
Carbohydrates 4 cal/g 60% of total = 1200 cal (carbs) = 300g
Fat 9 cal/g 10% of total = 200 cal (fat) = 22g
Alcohol's Effect on Metabolism
Alcohol provides empty calories. No nutritional benefit is derived from alcohol. Alcohol is 7 calories per gram, which is almost as high as fat in caloric content. In addition alcohol temporarily slows down the metabolism. The effect of this is that less fat is burned (lower BMR). Generally, high fat foods are consumed with alcohol, which makes matters worse. Also, alcohol inhibits the liver from metabolizing fat. As you can see any weight loss programs has to exclude alcohol.
Caffeine's Effect on Metabolism
Caffeine increases the mobilization of free fatty acids in the blood, which are used for prolonged energy requirements as in marathon running. Caffeine has also been shown to decrease fatigue during low to moderate intensity exercise lasting over 2 hours. However, caffeine is a central nervous system and cardiovascular stimulant thereby increasing the basal metabolic rate, heart rate and blood pressure. Rapid heart rate can occur leading to an unusually high heart rate during exercise. However, after approximately 45 minutes from caffeine ingestion, Bradycardia occurs, or a slowing of the heart rate, and lasts for up to an hour thereby decreasing cardiac output. Bradycardia leads to fatigue and an inability to exercise. Long-term effects decrease as the body adjusts to the caffeine intake level. Caffeine is a diuretic and therefore may promote dehydration due to increased urination. Any level of dehydration can decrease energy levels up to 30%.
Popular Fad Diets
There are many popular fad diets available. Each one is heavily promoted to achieve the same goal of weight loss. Many are unfounded are some are promoted by people without nutrition credentials. Some diets are based on unbalanced dietary intake to “trick” the body into losing fat. In all cases, these diets limit your overall caloric intake, which is essentially what delivers the results. However, some diets promote the exclusion of carbohydrates or fat or even protein. This can lead to deficiencies of certain nutrients that exist in the excluded food. Further, diets composed of mostly protein and fats promote weight loss through a diuretic effect. This may lead a person to believe that the intended results are being achieved, although temporary in nature. Ketosis can be a result of diets composed predominantly of protein. Ketones are a byproduct of protein metabolization in the absence of carbohydrates. The results can be muscle wasting, bad breath, dehydration, personality changes, kidney malfunctions and dizziness. Diets that do not include carbohydrates can result in low intake of dietary fiber leading to colon problems and constipation. Never participate in any of these diets while pregnant. Doing so can cause serious problems even death.
All diet claims share the same characteristics. They offer to deprive you of a certain food group or groups when in reality it is the reduction of total calories consumed that provides the weight loss. Eat everything but in moderation.
BEWARE OF CRASH DIETS.
A combination of diet modification and increased physical activity can be effective.
Dietary Therapy
Caloric intake should be reduced by 500 to 1,000 calories per day(kcal/day) from the current level. Most overweight and obese people should adopt long-term nutritional adjustments to reduce caloric intake. Dietary therapy includes instructions for modifying diets to achieve this goal. Moderate caloric reduction is the goal for the majority of cases; however, diets with greater caloric deficits are used during active weight loss. The diet should be low in calories, but it should not be too low (less than 800 kcal/day). Diets lower than 800 kcal/day have been found to be no more effective than low-calorie diets in producing weight loss. They should not be used routinely, especially not by providers untrained in their use. In general, diets containing 1,000 to 1,200 kcal/day should be selected for most women; a diet between 1,200 kcal/day and 1,600 kcal/day should be chosen for men and may be appropriate for women who weigh 165 pounds or more, or who exercise. Reductions of 500 to 1,000 kcal/day will produce a recommended weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week. Long-term changes in food choices are more likely to be successful when the individual’s preferences are taken into account and when the individual is educated about food composition, labeling, preparation, and portion size. Although dietary fat is a rich source of calories, reducing dietary fat without reducing calories will not produce weight loss.
Physical Activity
Physical activity has direct and indirect benefits.
Increased physical activity is important in efforts to lose weight because it increases energy expenditure and plays an integral role in weight maintenance. Physical activity also reduces the risk of heart disease more than that achieved by weight loss alone. In addition, increased physical activity may help reduce body fat and prevent the decrease in muscle mass often found during weight loss. For the obese individual, activity should generally be increased slowly, with care taken to avoid injury. A wide variety of activities and/or household chores, including walking, dancing, gardening, and team or individual sports, may help satisfy this goal. All adults should set a long-term goal to accumulate at least 30 min minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, and preferably all, days of the week.
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Calories in Alcoholic Drinks
Glossary of food items - Hindi to English
Glossary - Hindi to English Names
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