Digestion – process of breaking food into small substances to be absorbed by the body and subsequently used for fuel, growth, maintenance and repair.
RELEASING NUTRIENTS FROM FOOD Simple (e.g., phagocytosis- engulf and form food vacuoles in which food is broken down in the unicellular amoeba). Complex (e.g., cooking and chewing food before introducing it to the sophisticated multi-organ, digestive system in multi-cellular humans).
PRODUCTS OF DIGESTION (Energy Nutrients) Gastro- intestinal System CHO FATS PROTEINS GLUCOSE FRUCTOSE GALACTOSE FATTY ACIDS GLYCEROL AMINO ACIDS
HOW MUCH FOOD DO WE NEED? The Dietary Reference Intakes ( DRIs ) are a comprehensive set of nutrient reference values for healthy populations that can be used for assessing and planning diets. The % Daily Value (% DV) can help you make informed food choices. Look for it in the Nutrition Facts table on food packages.