He-LLO - Biomolecules in food labels

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Biomolecules in food labels

[MELC 22] Recognize the major categories of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. (S10MT-IVc-d-22)

Day 7-8: Identify the different biomolecules present on food labels and cite their effect on our health if its amount is lesser or greater than the recommended value.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a tool to help you make informed food choices that can have positive effects on your health and wellness. It is called the Nutrition Facts label and you can find it on packaged foods and beverages. [©]

The key terms on Nutrition Facts labels help you make informed food choices.

Servings Per Container - indicates the total servings in a package, and consuming multiple servings means you intake double the calories and nutrients listed.
Serving Size - is the typical amount eaten at one time and not a recommended portion; nutrition facts are based on this size, though some packages also provide information for the entire container.
Calories - refer to the total calories per serving, and balancing calorie intake with usage is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. The general guide for daily calorie intake is 2,000, but individual needs vary based on factors like age, sex, and activity level.
Daily Value (%DV) - indicates how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to your total daily diet. Use %DV to assess if a food is high or low in a nutrient and to compare food products with the same serving size. For instance, if a serving provides 10% DV of dietary fiber, you've met 10% of your daily fiber goal with that serving.

Food labels contain a variety of biomolecules, each of which plays a significant role in our health. The following are the most common biomolecules in food labels

1. Carbohydrates or Sugar

Sources: Grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products
Function: Primary source of energy for the body
Effects of Deficiency: Low energy levels Ketosis (when the body starts breaking down fats for energy, leading to the production of ketones) Impaired brain function
Effects of Excess: Weight gain and obesity Increased risk of type 2 diabetes Insulin resistance Cardiovascular diseases

2. Proteins

Sources: Meat, fish, dairy, beans, legumes, nuts
Function: Building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones
Effects of Deficiency: Muscle wasting Weak immune system Edema (swelling due to fluid retention) Hair, skin, and nail problems
Effects of Excess: Kidney damage (in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions) Dehydration Digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea

3. Fats Sources and Cholesterol: Oils, butter, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, avocados

Function: Energy storage, cell structure, hormone production
Effects of Deficiency: Essential fatty acid deficiency (affecting skin and hair health) Poor vitamin absorption (A, D, E, K are fat-soluble vitamins) Hormonal imbalances
Effects of Excess: Weight gain and obesity Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases Elevated cholesterol levels

4. Vitamins

Examples: Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B-complex vitamins
Function: Various roles including vision, immune function, skin health, bone health, energy metabolism
Effects of Deficiency: Various deficiency diseases like scurvy (vitamin C), rickets (vitamin D), night blindness (vitamin A) Weakened immune function Poor skin health
Effects of Excess: Hypervitaminosis (e.g., hypervitaminosis A, which can cause liver damage and central nervous system issues) Toxicity symptoms specific to each vitamin

5. Minerals

Examples: Calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, magnesium, zinc
Function: Bone health, nerve function, muscle function, blood pressure regulation, immune support
Effects of Deficiency: Osteoporosis (calcium) Anemia (iron) Muscle cramps and weakness (potassium) Hyponatremia (sodium)
Effects of Excess: Hypercalcemia (calcium excess leading to kidney stones) Hypertension (sodium) Gastrointestinal issues and toxicity (iron)

6. Fiber Sources: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes

Function: Digestive health, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol management
Effects of Deficiency: Constipation Poor digestive health Increased risk of colorectal cancer
Effects of Excess: Bloating and gas Interference with the absorption of certain nutrients

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