Food Allergies & Intolerances: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Understanding Food Allergies
General Features of Food Allergens
- Proteins or low molecular weight glycoproteins
- Water-soluble
- Resistant to heat, denaturation, degradation by proteases, or acidification
- Molecular weight generally <70 kDa
Modifications due to chemical processes or food processing (ultrafiltration, high temperature, irradiation) can generate new antigenic sites or reduce digestibility.
Common Food Allergens
- In Children: Egg, fish, milk, peanuts, and soybeans
- In Adults: Fish, tree nuts, peanuts,
Proteins: Structure, Sources, and Vital Functions
Understanding Proteins: Functions and Classification
Key Protein Functions
- Fatty Acid Synthesis: Enzymes catalyze the synthesis of fatty acids.
- Reserve Proteins: Egg white ovalbumin serves as a reserve protein.
- Transport: Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood.
- Hormonal Regulation: The hormone insulin regulates glucose metabolism.
Major Dietary Protein Sources
- Cereals: (e.g., rice, oats, corn, wheat)
- Legumes: (e.g., beans, lentils, soybeans, peas)
- Dairy: (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Nuts and Seeds: (e.
Understanding Healthy Diets and Essential Nutrients
Diets
The amount and type of food a person consumes daily is called diet or alimentary pattern. For a diet to be healthy, it should be balanced, provide the required energy, structural and functional nutrients in the appropriate ratio. It is necessary to diversify foods. “It’s advisable to make several meals a day.” It is necessary to cook food and avoid unduly refined items. Unsaturated fats should be included in an appropriate proportion, and consumption of foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol
Read MoreKey Liver Functions: Metabolism, Storage, Synthesis & More
Functions of the Liver
The liver is the largest gland and one of the vital organs of the body. It performs numerous metabolic and homeostatic functions, which are summarized below.
1. Metabolic Function
The liver is the organ where maximum metabolic reactions, such as the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and many hormones, are carried out.
2. Storage Function
Many substances, such as glycogen, amino acids, iron, folic acid, and vitamins A, B, and D, are stored in the liver.
3. Synthetic
Read MoreDietary Fiber: Types, Benefits, and Metabolism
Characteristics of Dietary Fiber
Dietary fibers are substances of plant origin, forming a complex network of molecules that cannot be digested by enzymes in the digestive tract. They may be partially fermented by bacteria in the colon and possess osmotic power.
Fiber: Key Components
Fiber is plant-derived material that resists digestion and reaches the colon undigested. Main components include:
- Mobile: Grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits.
- Hemicellulose: Creates the entangled matrix of cellulose fibers.
Mediterranean Diet Principles & Food Label Facts
Mediterranean Diet Principles
- High consumption of bread, cereals, and legumes.
- Abundance of fruits, vegetables, and fish.
- Reduced consumption of meat and animal fat.
- Consumption of nuts, tomato, onion, and garlic.
- Moderate intake of wine at meals (optional).
Key Mediterranean Food Groups
- Milk and dairy products
- Meat, fish, and eggs
- Potatoes, legumes, and nuts
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Bread, pasta, cereals, sugars, and sweets
- Fats, oils, and butter
Understanding Nutritional Labeling
Nutritional labeling provides consumers
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