Carbohydrates have received a bad reputation, especially when it comes to their role in weight gain. All carbohydrates are not bad and the primary role of carbohydrates in the body is to supply the cells with glucose for energy. One type of carbohydrate is sugar. Some people are unaware that instead of avoiding all sugars, they can choose to include natural sugars found in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruit. On the other hand, most people know that too much fat poses health risks, but may be surprised to learn that too little does, too.
Navigate to My Plate: https://www.myplate.gov/Links to an external site. and to the Diabetes Plate: What is the Diabetes Plate Method?Links to an external site. (diabetesfoodhub.org) then, submit at least 1 paragraph comparing both for
similarities
differences
share who should follow MyPlate and who should follow the Diabetes Plate method?
Navigate to the American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Links to an external site. and to the National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.govLinks to an external site., submit a 1 paragraph analysis on the relationships between dietary fats and the risk of heart disease, cancer, or type 2 diabetes (choose one).
Choose a food label from your favorite snack, and take a picture of the Nutrition Facts on the food label. Navigate to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, “Interactive Nutrition Facts Label: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/InteractiveNutritionFactsLabel/#introLinks to an external site. Choose one ingredient from your label. Share with the class one (1) health fact and (1) action step you learned about that ingredient in the interactive site.
Explain the differences between high-quality and low-quality proteins, and well-balanced vegetarian diets.
Full Answer Section
- Who Should Follow Each: MyPlate is a great starting point for everyone, regardless of health conditions. The Diabetes Plate is specifically designed for individuals with diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels.
Dietary Fat and Heart Disease Risk
According to the American Heart Association website, a diet high in saturated and trans fats can increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and contribute to the development of heart disease. The recommendation is to limit saturated fat to less than 10% of daily calories and eliminate trans fats altogether. While some fat is necessary for our bodies, choosing healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil can be beneficial for heart health.
Please Note: I cannot access external links to generate content or images.
Food Label Analysis (Replace with your chosen snack):
Following the steps you provided, I can't access your specific snack label. However, I can guide you through the process:
- Choose a favorite snack: Pick a packaged snack you enjoy.
- Take a picture of the Nutrition Facts: Focus on the ingredient list and serving size.
- Choose one ingredient: Select an ingredient you'd like to learn more about.
- Access the Interactive Nutrition Facts Label: Use the provided link (https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition).
- Analyze the ingredient: Search for your chosen ingredient and learn about its health benefits or potential drawbacks.
- Share your findings: Discuss one health fact you learned about the ingredient and one action step related to it (e.g., consuming more or less of it).
High-Quality vs. Low-Quality Protein and Well-Balanced Vegetarian Diets
High-Quality Protein:
- Sources: Lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, some plant-based sources (soy, quinoa)
- Benefits: Provides essential amino acids for building and repairing tissues, supports muscle growth and function, promotes satiety (feeling full).
Low-Quality Protein:
- Sources: Heavily processed meats (hot dogs, sausages), fried foods, processed cheese products
- Drawbacks: Often high in saturated fats, sodium, and nitrates, may contribute to health problems like heart disease and some cancers.
Well-Balanced Vegetarian Diets:
Vegetarian diets can be healthy and provide all the necessary nutrients if planned thoughtfully. Here are some key elements:
- Variety: Include a diverse range of plant-based protein sources (beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds) to ensure all essential amino acids are met.
- Iron and Vitamin B12: Be mindful of getting enough iron (dark leafy greens, fortified foods) and Vitamin B12 (fortified cereals, nutritional yeast) which can be lower in some vegetarian diets.
- Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
- Calcium: Choose calcium-rich plant-based options like leafy greens, fortified plant milks, and tofu processed with calcium.
By following these guidelines, vegetarians can enjoy a nutritious and well-balanced diet.