Biology I - Balanced Diet Project : September 2012

Works Cited

"The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." The Nutrition Transition in South Korea. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/71/1/44.long>.

"Balancing Energy In and Out." Welcome to Nutrition Australia. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/national/resource/balancing-energy-and-out>.

"Carbohydrates vs Fats." Carbohydrates vs Fats. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://dl.clackamas.cc.or.us/ch106-07/carbohyd1.htm>.

"Food Consumption Trends and Nutrition Transition in Korea." Http://myais.fsktm.um.edu.my/2710/. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://myais.fsktm.um.edu.my/2710/>.

"How the Body Uses Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats | Diabetes Forecast Magazine." How the Body Uses Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats | Diabetes Forecast Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://forecast.diabetes.org/magazine/features/how-body-uses-carbohydrates-proteins-and-fats>.

"Information on Nutrition Problems in Public Health." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/297094-information-on-nutrition-problems-in-public-health/>.

"Result Filters." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/825171>.

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Dietary Problems in Africa

Malnutrition is Africa's most critical dietary problem

Africa's Dietary Problems

In the continent of Africa, there are not a variety of dietary problems. Instead, there is malnutrition which is the major dietary problem that affects a significant amount of the people living there. Nearly 40% of children under the age of 6 suffer from moderate forms of energy-calorie malnutrition and almost 2/3 of preschool children suffer from protein-calorie malnutrition. Unfortunately for these children, protein-calorie malnutrition negatively affects the functions of their brains. There are countless other negative effects of malnutrition but just one of them would be that it weakens the immune system which augments the morality of illnesses such as measles.

As Africa is a large continent, it would be almost impossible to solve the issue of malnutrition in all of it's developing countries. One possible but unlikely solution could be to simply donate all the food that is unnecessary in developed nations. Another potential solution could be to guide the developing nations so that their economies can begin to develop more quickly. The improvement in their economies would definitely allow the people of those countries to have access to more food.

Dietary Problems in the United States

Obesity is one of America's most critical dietary problems

America's Dietary Problems

There are several dietary problems that are affecting the lives of many within the United States. To begin with, the most critical dietary problem would simply be obesity. Obesity numbers have continued to rise and almost every state in America has a population of obese people above 20%. The numbers of obesity amongst children have been shockingly rising and is a serious concern as they are the future representatives of the country. The problem with obesity is that it is not just being fat. Instead, it causes numerous illnesses such as diabetes and heart problems. Definitely one of the most crucial contributors to this issue is fast food, as it is packed with fat, calories, and sodium, and is said to provide almost 40% of the energy many children take in. In addition to obesity, the increase in portion sizes is another dietary problem for it slows metabolism and contributes to other illnesses as well. Surprisingly, there is also the issue of malnutrition in the United States which mainly concerns those considered living in poverty.

One simple and plausible solution to America's most significant dietary problem, obesity, could be to simply decrease portion sizes. This would definitely decrease the numbers of people with obesity and will benefit the health of everyone in the country. Indeed, there may be people who still wish to eat large portions, so this should be made available to them as an additional option, but it should never be the standard for all the people who decide to eat in the country.

Dietary Problems in Korea

A Korean dish of marinated beef, pork, or chicken that is barbecued.

Korea's Dietary Problems

Beginning in the 1970s, Korea has had major dietary changes along with the growth of it's economy and the adoption of a western lifestyle. The country's most significant dietary problem would be that the consumption of animal food products and fruits has increased greatly while the intake of cereal grains and vegetables such as potatoes and soybeans has decreased. Due to less consumption of foods like cereal grains, the energy intake has generally decreased. On a side note, even though the consumption of animal food products have increased, the increase in fat intake and the prevalence of obesity has remained surprisingly low in Korea, especially in comparison to other Asian countries. The only other dietary problem would be that the consumption of salty food is relatively high which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fats & Carbohydrates Provide the Most Energy

Fats and carbohydrates are the two elements that provide the most energy for all humans

Fats & Carbohydrates

Amongst the two elements, fats actually provide more energy than carbohydrates as fats provide approximately 9 kilocalories per gram, while carbohydrates provide approximately 4 kilocalories per gram. Typically providing for more than half of a body's energy needs, fats break down from food in to fatty acids which are stored in fat cells for later use. On the other hand, while fat cells have unlimited capacities, energy from carbohydrates cannot be stored in the same way and are used eagerly by our bodies after they are converted into glucose.

Energy Input = Energy Output

Consuming more energy than the amount of energy you use will result in weight gain.

Energy input should approximately equal energy output.

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy and balanced diet is to match the amount of energy gained from food consumed to the amount of energy that your body will use up. If energy input is greater than energy output, it will result in weight gain. However, if energy output is greater than energy input, it will result in weight loss. Balancing energy input and energy output will help you maintain the perfect body weight.