Key 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
Read MoreNutrition Fundamentals: Food, Nutrients, and Health
Understanding Nutrition and Food Groups
Food Groups Overview
A balanced diet includes various food groups, often visualized in a pyramid or plate model. Key groups include:
- Meat and Alternatives: Red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts.
- Dairy and Alternatives: Milk, cheese, yogurt.
- Fruits: Various fresh fruits.
- Vegetables: A wide variety of vegetables.
- Grains: Bread, rice, pasta, couscous, polenta, other cereals, potatoes.
- Fats and Oils: Olive oil, other vegetable oils, fats found in foods.
- Sweets/Sugars:
Essential Steps for Developing a Balanced Diet
Steps to Develop a Balanced Diet: To determine the characteristics of the individual for which you have to customize the diet: age, sex, physiological status (pregnancy, lactation, etc.), and physical activity. Establish the energy and nutritional needs met through the diet. To estimate energy requirements, it is considered that the overall energy expenditure in balance must be offset by energy intake from food. This takes into account the basal metabolism, age, sex, and physical activity. Developed.
Read MoreBiochemistry Questions: Amino Acids, Porphyries, and Urea Cycle
Proteins that may be absorbed by the intestine are:
b. Maternal antibodies in newborns
Sources of amino acids in the body include:
- Degradation of body protein
- Synthesis of nonessential amino acids
- Dietary proteins
Enzymes Secreted by Organs
Match the organs (a-d) with the enzymes (A-E) they secrete:
- Organs:
- Stomach: D
- Small intestine: E
- Liver: (No enzyme listed)
- Enzymes:
- Trypsin – A
- Carboxypeptidase A – B
- Elastase (No letter)
- Pepsin (No letter)
- Alanine aminopeptidase (No letter)
- Organs:
Mark the WRONG sentence about the