Nutritional Assignment 3, 4
Nutritional Assignment 3, 4
ASSIGNMENTS
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Assignment No. 3&4
Section A
For every question 4 options are given out of which only one option is correct. Choose the
correct option.
2. Energy Balance is
A. The process of weight loss due to physical activities.
B. Treatment process for eating disorders.
C. A state where weight remains steady.
D. To limit sedentary activities such as surfing the Internet, playing video games,
or watching TV.
3. NHANES, reporting the growing weight management issues of the world, refers to:
A. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
B. Survey for National Health and Nutrition Examination
C. National Examination of Nutrition and Health Survey
D. National Survey for Nutrition and Health Examination
5. Which one of the following Nutrition Fact label you should AVOID while looking for
healthy foods?
A. Low sodium
B. Reduced sodium
C. No added salt
D. Salt laden
Section B
1) Mention a few points about how you can balance your daily calories.
Ans: A balanced diet is a diet that contains differing kinds of foods in certain quantities and
proportions so that the requirement for calories, proteins, minerals, vitamins and alternative
nutrients is adequate and a small provision is reserved for additional nutrients to endure the short
length of leanness. In addition, a balanced diet ought to offer bioactive phytochemicals like
dietary fiber, antioxidants and nutraceuticals that have positive health advantages. A balanced
diet should offer around 60-70% of total calories from carbohydrates, 10-12% from proteins and
20-25% of total calories from fat.
1. Drink lots of water. Keep a bottle of water near you while working, watching TV, etc.
2. Variety of foods should be used in the menu. No single food has all the nutrients.
3. To improve the cereal and pulse protein quality, a minimum ratio of cereal protein to
pulse protein should be 4:1. In terms of the grains, it will be eight parts of cereals and one
part of pulses.
4. Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
5. Keep a supply of healthy snacks to hand. This will stop you from eating an unhealthy
snack when hungry.
Ans: Positive energy balance (the healthy way): When your body is in a positive energy balance
or neutral energy balance it has been proven to work much more efficiently in losing or gaining
weight, whatever your goal maybe.
Positive energy balance has got a lot to do with what goes into your cells – the right nutrients and
calories. Your body will function correctly using up the energy it needs and the additional
exercise you do with burn the remainder. You then consume more calories again and the cycle
continues. When you see this functionality working correctly you will see your hormone levels
balance out too (burn more fat + build more muscle = better mood) So in all your body will be
running a lot smoother, which will ensure you become a stronger more sustainable version of
yourself.
Negative energy balance (the unhealthy way): When your body is in a negative energy balance,
admittedly you will see quick weight loss, but there is an unhealthy way and a healthy way to
this. The unhealthy way is to lose weight by dropping 500 calories from your guided RMR and
not exercising – but be warned you are basically robbing your body of what it really needs. This
is why you will see a lot of people on crazy diets, getting ill more often and feeling fatigued all
the time – there immune system doesn’t have the energy it needs to function.
Ans: Nutrition is about eating a healthy and balanced diet so your body gets the nutrients that it
needs. Nutrients are substances in foods that our bodies need so they can function and grow.
They include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Eat foods that give lots of nutrients without a lot of extra calories, such as
o Fruits and vegetables
o Whole grains, like oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, and brown rice
o Fat-free or low-fat milk and cheese, or soy or rice milk that has added vitamin D
and calcium
o Seafood, lean meats, poultry, and eggs
o Beans, nuts, and seeds
Avoid empty calories. These are foods with lots of calories but few nutrients, such as
chips, candy, baked goods, soda, and alcohol.
Pick foods that are low in cholesterol and fat. Saturated fats are usually fats that come
from animals. Trans fats are processed fats in stick margarine and vegetable shortening.
You may find them in some store-bought baked goods and fried foods at some fast-food
restaurants.
Drink enough liquids, so you don't get dehydrated. Some people lose their sense of
thirst as they age.
Be physically active. If have started losing your appetite, exercising may help to feel
hungrier.
Ans: A therapeutic diet is a meal plan that controls the intake of certain foods or nutrients. It is
part of the treatment of a medical condition and are normally prescribed by a physician and
planned by a dietician. A therapeutic diet is usually a modification of a regular diet. It is
modified or tailored to fit the nutrition needs of a particular person.
Therapeutic diets are modified for (1) nutrients, (2) texture, and/or (3) food allergies or food
intolerances.
Common reasons therapeutic diets may be ordered:
Ans: Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods. It keeps the heart beating regularly,
helps to maintain fluid balance, and allows the nerves and muscles to work properly. The
kidneys are the main organ that controls the correct level of potassium in the blood. People who
take certain medicines or who have chronic kidney disease must sometimes, under the direction
of their clinician, limit or increase the amount of potassium in their diet to keep their potassium
level close to normal.
The level of potassium in the blood can become higher than normal, causing a condition known
as hyperkalemia ("hyper" = high, "kal" = potassium, "emia" = in the blood). Eating a lower-
potassium diet can help treat and lower the risk of developing hyperkalemia.
Foods that have the highest concentrations of potassium include cantaloupe, watermelons,
grapefruit, all dried fruit and fruit juices, avocadoes, tomatoes, potatoes (plain and sweet),
Brussels sprouts, milk, yogurt, lentils, and most nuts.
Milk, water, juice, soda, and other drinks, Ice cubes, Ice cream, sherbet, frozen yogurt,
Popsicles, Gelatin, Soup, Pudding
Keep track of how much fluid your child drinks each day. Record amounts on a chart by the
refrigerator or another convenient place.
Ans: A low-sodium or salt-restricted diet may be used to help prevent or reduce fluid retention.
AVOID
EAT
Plain breads, cereals, rice, and pasta (not dried pasta or rice mixes)
Vegetables and fruits (fresh or frozen)
Meats (fresh cuts, not processed meats)
Milk and yogurt (these tend to be moderate in sodium)
Drinks such as juices, tea, fruit drink or punch, and some soda
10) Recommend a few regular physical activities for weight management.
Ans: Balancing the calories you eat with the calories you use through physical activity will help
you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Moderate:
Vigorous:
Jogging/running.
Swimming laps.
Rollerblading/inline skating at a brisk pace.
Cross-country skiing.
Most competitive sports (football, basketball, or soccer).
Jumping rope.
11) How would you relate sugar intake of a person with his/her risk of stones?
Ans: Epidemiological studies have linked dietary fructose and sucrose with an increased risk for
kidney stones, despite the fact that natural fruits and some sodas are thought to be protective by
providing citric acid (which generates citrate, an inhibitor of calcium-forming stones). Indeed,
when one considers that fluid intake is a major strategy for reducing kidney stones, it is striking
that the intake of sugary (fructose-containing) colas dose dependently increases the risk for
stones, whereas intake of artificially sweetened colas shows an opposite relationship. Glucose
and dextrose are two names for one sugar. It is the main sugar in our blood and the main sugar in
starch. Fructose comes in fruits and is altogether different in chemistry and in the way our bodies
metabolize it. Sugar, what we buy in sacks, is the two molecules, glucose and fructose, linked
together to make one bigger molecule containing both. So when you eat table sugar you are
eating glucose and fructose. The proper name for table sugar is sucrose.
Ans: The human body requires a small amount of sodium to conduct nerve impulses, contract
and relax muscles, and maintain the proper balance of water and minerals. It is estimated that we
need about 500 mg of sodium daily for these vital functions. But too much sodium in the diet can
lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It can also cause calcium losses, some of
which may be pulled from bone. As sodium accumulates, the body holds onto water to dilute the
sodium. This increases both the amount of fluid surrounding cells and the volume of blood in the
bloodstream. Increased blood volume means more work for the heart and more pressure on blood
vessels. Over time, the extra work and pressure can stiffen blood vessels, leading to high blood
pressure, heart attack, and stroke. It can also lead to heart failure. Too much sodium in the blood is
called hypernatremia. This acute condition can happen in older adults who are mentally and physically
impaired who do not eat or drink enough, or who are sick with a high fever, vomiting, or infection that
causes severe dehydration.
Ans: Hyperlipidemia (also known as high cholesterol) can be defined as several disorders that
can result in too much fat (lipids) in the blood. These lipids can enter the walls of the arteries and
increase the risk for developing hardening of the arteries, which could cause hyperlipidemia
complications such as heart disease or stroke. Hyperlipidemia, can also be a cause of
cardiovascular disease so it is important to control it with lifestyle changes and medication. High
cholesterol may be caused by foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fats,
including:
Cheese
Egg yolks
Red meat
Fried and processed foods
Ice cream
However, there are other causes that lead to this condition. Preventable causes of hyperlipidemia
can include:
Smoking
Being overweight
Physical inactivity
Excessive alcohol consumption
Steroid use
14) How does mishandling affect the quality of food?
Ans:
Ans: Nutrients are the substances found in food which drive biological activity, and are essential
for the human body. They are categorized as proteins, fats, carbohydrates (sugars, dietary fiber),
vitamins, and minerals, and perform the following vital functions.
1. Building all parts of the body such as muscle, bone, teeth, and blood
4. Protein is the main constituent of the body, making up the muscles, internal organs, skin,
and blood, etc.
5. It helps to increase the number of good bacteria in the digestive tract, maintain the balance
of bacteria in the intestines, and as such is very beneficial for the body.
6. Vitamins and minerals are not used as energy, but instead aid in breaking down and
building up proteins, fats, and sugars, and are an essential nutrient for keeping the body
healthy.
Section C
1. What is the importance of the following herbs and spices in a healthy diet? Mention
their healthy properties:
a) Parsley:
Parsley and its essential oil are rich in an antioxidant called myristicin. Myristicin may help
regulate blood sugar levels. It may also lower insulin resistance and inflammation. However,
more research is needed to understand these effects.
Parsley is a natural diuretic. It may help remove toxins and germs from the body. Rats fed with
parsley seed extract showed more urine output than when they were drinking just water. Parsley
may inhibit the sodium potassium pump that is involved in the urine regulation in kidneys.
Animal studies further suggest that parsley has nephroprotective effects on rats with renal issues.
Parsley is rich in flavonoids that are known to have anti-cancer properties. The flavonoids inhibit
cell growth and reduce oxidative stress.
Animal research has found that apigenin, a flavonoid found in parsley seeds, could help in killing
cancer cells and decreasing the size of the tumors.
Studies on cancer cell lines have also found apigenin to exhibit anti-proliferation, anti-
inflammation, and anti-metastasis properties in colorectal cancer. Apigenin is found to have anti-
carcinogenic effects on breast cancer.
Another anti-carcinogenic flavonoid found in parsley is luteolin. Research has stated that luteolin
may have preventive effects on colorectal cancer.
Parsley also contains carnosol, another compound with promising results in treating cancers of
the breast, skin, colon, and prostate.
4. May Improve Heart Health
Parsley has been used in folk medicine to help treat hypertension. The rich flavonoid content in
parsley helps in improving heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Parsley is also a good source of folic acid. Folate intake is associated with good heart health.
Low levels in folate can be harmful for the heart. Hence, including parsley in one’s diet can be
helpful in this regard.
Parsley is a good source of vitamin K. The vitamin helps in the formation of bone cells called
osteocytes. Parsley was found to inhibit bone resorption (a process where bones and absorbed
and broken down by the body) in rats.
Traditionally, parsley is used to help treat digestive and gastrointestinal disorders. The fiber
content in parsley helps in digestion. It helps in moving the food in the digestive tract and also
acts as a prebiotic fodder for the good bacteria in the gut.
Parsley extracts were found to have an anti-ulcer effect in mice studies. They achieved this by
inhibiting the excess secretion of gastric juice.
Parsley also contains vitamin C. The nutrient is a potent antioxidant that boosts the immune
system. Parsley contains flavanols, such as kaempferol and quercetin, that fight oxidative stress
and cellular damage.
Parsley could regulate cholesterol and have a protective effect on the liver of rats. Other studies
have found that parsley can help in the regeneration of liver cells and regulate enzymes in the
liver in mice with diabetes.
9. Has Antibacterial Properties
Parsley has traditionally been used for its ability to fight germs. In a study, parsley showed
antimicrobial activity in kareish cheese.
The essential oil from parsley has exhibited both antibacterial and antifungal activity. It could
inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. It
could also protect against the fungi Penicillium ochrochloron and Trichoderma viride.
Parsley contains vitamin A, a nutrient that can help in improving eye health. Parsley also
contains carotenes, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, that help in protecting the eyes.
b) Ginger:
Ginger helps speed up the digestion process and empty your stomach more quickly. Someone
with digestive issues, such as indigestion, ulcers, constipation, and IBS, might find relief by
adding it into their regular diet. Studies have shown that those who consume ginger digest twice
as fast as those who don’t. It increases movement in the digestive tract and promotes healthy
enzymes that help break down the foods we eat.
2. Improves Immunity
Gingerol, the bioactive compound found in raw ginger, boosts immunity with its antimicrobial
and antifungal properties. Ginger also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
The combination of these properties has many benefits. These ginger health benefits and side
effects improve coughs, lower fevers, fight off infections, relieve headaches, and ease other
symptoms associated with common colds and the flu.
6. Reduces Pain
Ginger is a natural pain reliever. This makes it an excellent substitute for over-the-counter pain
medications. Gingerols act as an anti-inflammatory and work to eliminate compounds in the
body that result in pain. Anti-inflammatory properties in ginger reduce the pain associated with
arthritis and increase joint mobility. Arthritis sufferers are often prescribed anti-inflammation
medication to lessen their symptoms, but ginger works as a natural alternative.
7. Healthier Skin
Ginger improves the health of your skin with antioxidants, increased blood circulation, and
antiseptic properties. The antioxidants protect the skin from UV rays and slow the breakdown of
collagen, making the skin look younger and tauter. Antiseptic properties improve acne
symptoms, and with raw ginger, you can help with scarring caused by acne. Ginger’s anti-
inflammatory properties also aid in healing irritated skin. Check out some of ginger’s other
amazing beauty benefits.
Oregano is a Mediterranean herb that is used for cooking and medicinal purposes,
ranging from treating infections to repelling insects.
Active ingredients in oregano could one day help treat osteoporosis, cancer, and diabetes.
Use it to flavor sauces, make herby bread rolls, and in marinades for meat.
People with an allergy to mint should take care when consuming oregano.
Benefits: Oregano is available fresh, or dried for cooking, and oregano oil can be used to treat
infections.
1. Oregano was used in herbal medicine as long ago as the Ancient Greeks.
2. Hippocrates used it as an antiseptic.
3. Possible medicinal uses of oregano include treating respiratory tract disorders,
gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract disorders.
4. Applied topically, it may help treat a number of skin conditions, such as
acne and dandruff.
1) Antibacterial properties
Oregano oil contains an essential compound called carvacrol, which has antimicrobial properties.
The herb has shown antimicrobial activity in a number of studies. One group of
researchers found that Origanum vulgare essential oils were effective against 41 strains of the
food pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.
2) Anti-inflammatory properties
Scientists from Germany and Switzerland identified an active ingredient in oregano, known as
beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP), which may help treat disorders such as osteoporosis and
arteriosclerosis. E-BCP is a dietary cannabinoid.
The scientists concluded that Origanum majorana could help prevent and treat breast cancer by
slowing or preventing its progression.
d) Cinnamon:
As one of the oldest spices in the world, cinnamon has long been used for its healing properties
as a staple in many forms of holistic and traditional medicine. Here are some of the top benefits
of this spice.
1. High in Antioxidants
Cinnamon is packed with a variety of protective antioxidants that reduce free radical damage and
slow the aging process. In fact, researchers have identified at least 41 different protective
compounds found within the spice to date.
According to the ORAC scale, which is used to measure the concentration of antioxidants in
different foods, cinnamon ranks No. 7 of all foods, herbs and spices. It has been shown to have
greater antioxidant power than commonly consumed herbs like thyme, garlic and rosemary.
Cinnamon health benefits are attributed to its content of a few specific types of antioxidants,
including polyphenols, phenolic acid and flavonoids. These compounds work to fight oxidative
stress in the body and have been found to aid in the prevention of chronic disease.
The different antioxidants present in the spice help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body
and prevent oxidative stress. It also helps limit nitric oxide buildup in the blood and prevents fat
peroxidation, both of which can increase the risk of brain disorders, cancer, heart disease and
other chronic conditions.
2. Relieves Inflammation
The antioxidants in cinnamon can help relieve inflammation, which may help lower the risk of
heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline and more. Researchers have identified many different
types of flavonoids in the spice, all of which are highly effective at fighting dangerous
inflammation levels throughout the body.
Because this powerful spice lowers swelling and prevents inflammation, it can also be beneficial
in pain management. In fact, studies show that it helps reduce muscle soreness, decrease
menstrual pain, lessen the severity of allergic reactions and relieve other age-related symptoms
of pain as well.
Studies show that one of the top cinnamon health benefits is its ability to improve heart health. In
fact, it has been shown to reduce several of the most common risk factors for heart disease,
including high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels and high blood pressure to keep your
heart healthy and strong.
It has also been found to reduce high blood pressure, which is another risk factor for heart
disease or a stroke.
Research shows that it is a helpful blood coagulant and can stop excess bleeding by helping the
body to form blood clots. Cinnamon also increases circulation and improves tissue repair, which
may be especially helpful for regenerating heart tissue in order to help fight heart attacks, heart
disease and stroke.
e) Turmeric:
Reduce Depression Symptoms Depression has been linked with lower levels of brain-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein in the brain and spinal cord that regulates communication
between nerve cells. In rats, curcumin effectively increased levels of BDNF over the course of
10 days, according to a study published in Behavioral Brain Research. In humans with major
depressive disorder, those who took 1,000 mg of curcumin daily for six weeks saw similar
improvements to those who took an antidepressant or a combination of the two treatments,
according to a small April 2014 study published in Phytotherapy Research.
Complement Cancer Treatment It’s unclear whether turmeric can prevent cancer growth in
humans, according to the American Cancer Society. Yet this spice may offer potential, thanks to
its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to a past review. Authors of past
research note that turmeric (curcumin specifically) may prevent tumors from forming and
becoming cancerous, though more research in humans is needed.
A low-sodium diet or salt restriction may be used to help prevent or reduce fluid retention
in your child's body. The amount of sodium or salt allowed in your child's diet depends
on your child's medical condition.
Your child's physician or dietitian will determine the amount of sodium allowed in your
child's diet. This is usually expressed in milligrams (mg) per day.
Some common sodium restrictions include 2,000, 3,000, or 4,000 mg per day. With most
sodium-restricted diets, high-sodium foods are limited and salt is not allowed in food
preparation or at the table. Do not use salt in cooking or at the table
Cook with herbs and spices or, if permitted by your child's physician, use salt substitutes
such as Mrs. Dash®, NuSalt®, NoSalt®, or Morton's Lite Salt®
Seasonings with "salt" in the name, such as garlic salt, are high in sodium. When
seasoning foods, use fresh garlic or garlic powder, use onion powder instead of onion
salt, and try celery seed rather that celery salt.
Eat home-prepared meals, using fresh ingredients, instead of canned, frozen, or packaged
meals. When dining out, request dressings and sauces on the side for your child. Ask the
chef to hold the salt in food preparation.
If you need to follow a fluid restriction,the following tips will help you:
• Measure the size of the cups you normally drink
• Use a diary to record your fluid intake
• Remember to count the fluid you drink when you take tablets. Try apple puree or
yoghurt instead
• Drink half cups of tea and other drinks
• If you use ice to quench thirst – this also counts in a fluid restriction
• Keep you mouth and teeth clean – this helps alleviate feelings of thirst
• If you have diabetes – keep blood sugars well controlled – if they are too high, this can
also make you feel thirsty.
c) Lipids:
The patients with the nephrotic syndrome had elevated serum concentrations of cholesterol,
triglycerides, and phospholipids, which were confined to the lipoproteins containing apoprotein
B. Total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are usually normal or reduced in
the nephrotic syndrome, and there is often a pronounced decline in the cardioprotective HDL2
fraction.
Hyperlipidemia is a common finding in nephrotic syndrome. There is increased total Cholesterol,
LDL, VLDL and low or normal HDL. It has been noted that certain factors like diet,
malnutrition, genetic traits etc., are known to alter the frequency and severity of lipid pattern. It
also observed that nephrotic patients are having hyperlipidaemia. This hyperlipidaemia may
progress in to the cardiovascular diseases. Hence the lipid profile in the nephrotic syndrome must
be monitored for better management of the diseases. High amounts of fat should be avoided as
cholesterol and triglyceride levels tend to be high in patients with nephrotic syndrome.
d) Protein:
Nephrotic Syndrome is a condition which is characterised by the loss of protein into the urine
(called proteinuria) as a result of increased glomerular permeability and oedema. This results in
low protein level in the blood. The low levels of protein in blood result in the drawing of fluids
into soft tissues. A severe form ‘hypoalbuminemia’ can cause scores of secondary diseases such
as ascites (retention of fluid in the abdominal cavity), pleural effusion (build-up of fluids
between the lungs and the chest), or high cholesterol. It can also result in retention of fluid in
other parts of the body such as eyelids, lower extremities etc. Nephrotic syndrome is mainly
caused by damage to the kidneys. This leads to an increase in the concentration of protein in the
urine. In adults, it can be caused due to glomerulonephritis or damage to the glomerulus of the
kidneys while in children it is likely caused by minimal change disease. Protein is an essential
part of the diet as it helps in the general makeup of the body and development of muscles. The
consumption of protein must be kept under check.
e) Supplements:
Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a cluster of symptoms that signal kidney damage, including excess
protein in the urine, low protein levels in blood, swelling and elevated cholesterol. The version of
NS that is resistant to steroids is a major cause of end stage renal disease. Of the more than 40
genes that cause genetic kidney disease, the research team concentrated on mutations in genes
involved in the biosynthesis of CoQ10, an important antioxidant that protects the cell against
damage from reactive oxygen. Antibiotics may be needed to control infections. Dietary
modifications may include the restriction of sodium and use of dietary supplements. Fluids may
be restricted to help control swelling.