Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry Assignment

Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry - Assignment Example According to the research findings, a number of different types of food must be consumed in order to provide the body with the energy that it needs for even the simplest of processes. Proteins must be consumed in order for the body to grow, and they are essential for the repair of the muscles, should they become damaged. Healthy fats are important to consume, as these contain vitamins, and the fat is necessary for us to survive. Minerals are important to the body's simple functions; vitamins give the body what is necessary to remain healthy, and they are soluble in fats and water, depending on what types of vitamins are consumed. Roughage is the foods that we need to eat in order to provide us with our source of fiber, and it is this fiber that enables food to be processed through our digestive tract. Finally, the last two very important elements of nutrition are carbohydrates and water. Carbohydrates are the body's most important source of energy, and water is important for all func tions of the body. Because the body is made up of approximately sixty to seventy percent of water, it is to the body's detriment if it is denied even the slightest form of water necessary for it to function. IF any of these are unbalanced in the least bit, this will cause the body to not function as it should. For one, if the body is lacking in carbohydrates, then the person will become tired and have a hard time getting tasks completed. If the body lacks water, then dehydration sets in, which can cause a myriad of problems, such as dizziness, the skin drying out, a speeding heart rate, and even death if not dealt with. Without fiber, the digestive tract cannot move; if the body is lacking in fat, then certain body processes cannot take place, such as the ability of foods to be metabolized. And finally, if vitamins, proteins, and minerals are lacking, then malnourishment can set in, and the body will not be able to heal properly, such as the muscles and tissues will not be able to r epair themselves if damaged. When nutritional balance and the appropriate level of energy are maintained, the body and its processes will run smoothly. Not to mention, health and stability will be maintained. When comparing the energy of the human body to which is measured by a bomb calorimeter, there are some differences as to how the energy is obtained. For one, the energy of a bomb calorimeter is obtained through electrical energy igniting the fuel so that the calories contained in the fuel can be measured. Secondly, pure oxygen is suppressed inside, and the combustion of these gasses, i.e. the energy that is being discharged from this technology. Gasses that have been discharged, and the water that is around the tubing is heated up, and this is contributing to the combustion. The heat and the combustion are what is the energy that is considered to be measured, which is under constant pressure. Available energy from the human body is different than that of a bomb calorimeter. Ava ilable energy is measured in a number of ways. It is measured by heart rate through various instruments, such as heart rate monitors, and it is not measured by combustion like that of the bomb calorimeter.