Foundations of Health, Nutrition, and Genetics

Health Concepts

The concept of health, according to the WHO, is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

To measure health, a key parameter is life expectancy, i.e., the average life expectancy of a person.

Factors affecting a person's health may be biological, environmental, related to access to health services, or lifestyle-related. Lifestyle choices depend on personal or cultural factors. Leading a healthy life involves taking care of diet, engaging in physical exercise, and avoiding addictive substances.

Carbohydrates (60% Daily Intake)

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for our body. They are stored mainly in muscle and liver cells.

Glucose is essential for our nervous system and is controlled by two hormones:

• Insulin

  Regulates excess or increase in blood glucose. It facilitates the uptake of glucose into liver and muscle cells, where it is linked to form glycogen.

• Glucagon

  Regulates low blood glucose. It helps break down glycogen in muscle and liver cells, releasing glucose into the blood.

Lipids (Fats)

Many of the fats we eat are saturated, which can be psychologically satisfying, but excess intake leads to higher cholesterol levels.

• Bad Cholesterol (LDL)

  Can accumulate in arteries, decreasing their caliber and making them rigid. This can lead to heart attacks, circulatory problems, etc.

• Good Cholesterol (HDL)

  Is essential for synthesizing cell membranes, producing vitamin D, and promoting bone calcification.

Cholesterol must be transported, and the transporter molecule determines its final destination. These transporters are manufactured from the fats we consume. Maintaining a balanced fat intake is crucial. Increased intake of polyunsaturated fats promotes the formation of the "good" transporter (HDL), which favors the separation and subsequent removal of cholesterol from blood vessels.

Proteins (15% Daily Intake)

Our bodies require proteins, which are formed from amino acids. Some amino acids are manufactured by our bodies, while others must be obtained from our daily diet.

Our body stores amino acids for about 5 hours; if not used, they are degraded. From this degradation, urea is formed, which is mainly eliminated in urine. An excess of urea can lead to the formation of uric acid.

Basic Genetics Concepts

Chromosome

All the genetic material that carries encoded information. Chromosomes can be:

• Haploid
• Diploid

Alleles

Different alleles for a given character result in a heterozygous state.

Alleles that are the same for a given character result in a homozygous state.

Types of Inheritance

• Dominant Inheritance: One allele expresses its trait.
• Intermediate Inheritance: Neither parental trait is fully expressed; an intermediate or different trait appears.
• Codominance: Both parental traits are expressed simultaneously.