Dietary Fiber and Its Effects
Dietary Fiber: Function, Sources, and Benefits
Background
Dietary fiber, previously known as “roughage,” refers to substances in plant foods that are not fully broken down by human digestive enzymes.
Initially, it was believed that dietary fiber was entirely indigestible and provided no energy.
It is now understood that some fiber undergoes fermentation in the large intestine by gut bacteria, producing short-chain fatty acids and gases.
These fatty acids are absorbed into the bloodstream and provide
Infant and Toddler Nutrition: Breastfeeding, Formula & Solid Foods
Nutrition of Infants and Toddlers
Breastfeeding:
Human milk is the ideal and uniquely superior food for infants.
- It is recommended that human milk be the only source of nutrition for the first 6 months of life.
- Intake may be continued for the first 2 years of life (1 year average) if accompanied with appropriate complementary foods.
Advantages of Breastfeeding:
For the infant:
- Decreased incidence or severity of diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, otitis media, bacteremia, bacterial meningitis, and necrotizing
Understanding Hygrothermal Comfort: Measurement, Impacts, and Optimal Conditions
Hygrothermal Comfort: A Key Factor in Living Conditions
Definition of Hygrothermal
Hygrothermal refers to the combined effects of humidity and temperature.
Air Humidity
Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air.
Measuring Humidity
There are three ways to measure humidity:
- Absolute humidity
- Relative humidity: The ratio of actual water vapor in the air to the maximum amount it can hold at that temperature.
- Specific humidity
A hygrometer is used to measure humidity.
Relationship Between Humidity
Understanding Reproduction in Biology: Types, Methods, and Examples
Reproduction
Reproduction is an integral feature of all living beings. The process by which a living being produces its own kind is called reproduction.
Importance of Reproduction
Reproduction is important for each species because this is the only way for a living being to continue its lineage. Apart from being important for a particular individual, reproduction is also important for the whole ecosystem. Reproduction helps in maintaining a proper balance among various biotic constituents of the ecosystem.
Read MoreDietary Lipids, Health Implications, and Recommendations
Lipids in the Diet
Dietary Sources, Recommended Intakes, and Health Implications
Lipids
- Broad group of naturally occurring molecules including fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), monoglycerides, triglycerides, phospholipids, and others.
- Main biological functions: energy storage, structural components of cell membranes, and signaling molecules.
Physiology of Lipid Digestion and Absorption
- Lipids enter the body through the mouth and pass to the stomach, largely unaffected by its
Vitamins and Minerals: Needs, Functions, and Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamins and Minerals in the Diet
Physiological Needs, Function in the Body, and Manifestation of Deficiency
Background:
Vitamins are essential organic substances required for growth and maintenance of the body. They cannot be synthesized in the human body and therefore must be included in the diet.
Note: The term “vitamin” is conditional upon the circumstances and the particular organism.
For example, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a vitamin for humans, but not for most other animal organisms.