Abstract This paper gives an introduction to the chemical substances of life: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. It describes how proteins are formed, their primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure, and gives examples of protein use in the human body. The paper also describes mono- and poly-saccharides, their structure, reactions, and functions in the human body. Lastly it describes lipids and fatty acids and their functions in the human body.
From the Paper "Proteins contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen and some may also contain sulfur. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids. There are twenty essential amino acids found in cells and some proteins contain special amino acids which are derived from the essential twenty by a change in their constituents. They contain an amino group at one end (NH) and a hydroxyl group at the other (OH) and in between there is a carbon atom with one hydrogen and.
Abstract This paper attempts to explore the proper timing of amino acids and carbohydrates in regard to protein synthesis. It does this by examining the causes of catabolism and what happens during this process, by looking at the building blocks and the types of proteins involved in the process and by studying the function of insulin and how it functions in relation to the intake of carbohydrates.
From the Paper "The field of Biochemistry which ?studies the structure, synthesis and degradation of large molecules found in living cells, their metabolic regulation, and their expression (Spencer, 1997)? is known as molecular biology. These large molecules, or macromolecules, include DNA, RNA, proteins and carbohydrates, and their complexes."
Abstract This paper examines the effects of a high fat/low-carbohydrate diet such as Atkins, on body weight and composition. This paper compares such a high fat diet to the effects of a calorie-reduced, fat-restricted diet in an attempt to answer the question of whether weight loss occurs because of a metabolic advantage. Metabolic advantage means that the body begins to use fat as energy due to a lowered carbohydrate intake.
From the Paper "One possible reason that the subjects in the Pogliaghi and Veicsteinas (1999) study did not appear to benefit from a low-carbohydrate/high fat diet might be that they have not been participating in endurance training. As an individual exercises, the resulting muscle contractions are done using ATP. How the body creates and uses this ATP is dependant upon the amount of the energy sources available, and the intensity and duration of the exercise. In all individuals, even those who are non-obese, glycogen is generally used for ATP and thus, during moderate exercise, the body creates ATP from available glycogen. As the intensity of exercise is increased, oxygen levels in the body decrease, which makes the creation of ATP difficult. The body, at this point, will begin to burn fat to substitute for this lack of ability. Since prolonged endurance training has the affect of conditioning the muscles to "crossover" to burn glycogen after longer time duration, trained individuals will burn more fat and less glycogen than untrained individuals will. This might explain why the study done by Pogliaghi and Veicsteinas (1999) yielded such results as it did, since the individuals in the study were not trained athletes."
Abstract The paper discusses evidence for and against the Atkins diet, which calls for a reduction in carbohydrate intake. The paper discusses the recommendations on carbohydrates by the government and the medical establishment and evidence offered by critics of the Atkins approach, including concerns on the part of some doctors that the diet may be dangerous.
From the Paper "The Atkins diet has been the subject of considerable controversy as it has become popular, leading to concerns on the part of some doctors that the diet may be dangerous. This diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, promising weight loss from a change in dietary habits in terms of reducing the consumption of carbohydrates and increasing the consumption of protein rather than by simply reducing intake. In this way, the diet promises that dieters will lose weight without going hungry. The Atkins diet was developed by Dr. Atkins in 1972."
Abstract This paper explains that, for overweight people and people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the low calorie and low fat diets recommended by the government do not work well and actually worsen the condition. The author points out that low carbohydrate diets, such as the popular "Dr. Atkins Diet", are synonymous with a high-fat and moderate protein regime. The paper relates that, when carbohydrate intake is restricted, the insulin levels decrease and the levels of glucagon increase. The author underscores that the increased fats and oils keep the appetite under control. The author suspects that the mechanism of insulin resistance is not a disease but rather a mechanism of homeostasis used to keep the body's fat to muscle ratio in balance. The paper states that, when the body is out of balance, type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs to correct the epigenetic factors that caused the imbalance.
From the Paper "Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are now associated with decreased expression of genes that regulate oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle. Uncoupling protein 3 (UPC3) is a protein transporter that uncouples oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle. Studies on UCP3 functions under various physiological conditions have suggested that the function of UCP3 is not limited only to regulation of whole-body energy metabolism but is also involved in regulation of lipids metabolism. Uncoupling proteins act to convert stored fat into thermal energy."
Abstract The paper discusses how understanding the effects of dietary changes is important from nutritional, health, chemical and performance standpoints. The paper discusses how bodybuilders might mistakenly believe that all one needs is more protein, since protein increases muscle mass. The paper explains that carbohydrates provide the energy that is critical to the support of the body's growth processes and explains why the body also needs fats. The paper describes the dangers and side effects associated with steroid usage. The paper shows how unfortunately, most bodybuilders make these dietary and chemical modifications without the thought of long-term sustainability; too many are looking for the quick-fix.
From the Paper "Knowing how important that protein is to increasing muscle mass, some bodybuilders might mistakenly come to the conclusion that all one needs is more protein. This erroneous belief, coupled with the current anti-carb craze, makes it difficult to assert the importance of carbohydrate intake. Nonetheless, carbohydrate intake has a very real place in the diet of the competing bodybuilder with very real consequences for any regimen. Part of what has given carbohydrates a bad name for bodybuilders is the fact that increasing the level of carbohydrates has the effect of boosting the body's levels of the hormone insulin."
Abstract This paper suggests that in the government food pyramid, the generic category of meat products is too general; it should be separated into two subcategories of red meat and white meat and each subcategory should be treat differently. The author points out that, similarly, the carbohydrate category should be into subcategories: (1) Foods such as nuts and beans, which can provide part of the proteins needed, (2) whole grain foods and (3) the remaining carbohydrate category including white rice, white bread, pasta and sweets. The paper relates that the consumption of dairy products should be reduced.
From the Paper "However, the food pyramid never considered some of the negative effects of carbohydrates and of consuming them in 6 to 11 servings. One of these would be the fact that a massive switch in one's diet from fats to carbohydrates increases the blood level of triglyceride, with increased chances of heart disease. It would seem, in this case, that the old pyramid substitutes one source of heart diseases with another. Additionally, levels of low - density lipoprotein, commonly known as "bad cholesterol" increase as well when switching to carbohydrates. An increase in glucose and sugar levels, as well as the risk of obesity should be mentioned as well."
Abstract This paper explains that Carol Krenz' research explores the way sugar and carbohydrates stimulate differing parts of the brain. The author points out that, by realizing the soothing powers of both sugar and carbohydrates, there can be little doubt that both offer a solution to depression in the winter. The paper relates that, by keeping a balance of both of these necessary dietary factors, relief from depression can be found without hazardous health problems, which each one may provide singularly.
From the Paper "The article "Food for Sloth" by Carol Krenz begins with an argument that presents the similarities between comfort' foods and hibernation foods. This manner of food related analysis present the dietary and psychological process that leads to excessive sugar and carbohydrates in the winter months. The beginning pars of the article tell how human beings have a tendency to eat more sugars due to the normative depressive states that occur between December and March. The article then begins to discuss the indifference between comfort foods and hibernation that exist, but not without the 'poisoning' that sugar and carbohydrates can impart on the human body in a singular manner."
Abstract The paper maintains that reversing obesity is a long-term process of dietary changes emphasizing lower-fat foods, replacing sugars and other simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates and reducing sodium intake. The paper argues that the weight loss associated with short-term diets is almost always temporary and is followed by relapses into old eating habits that result in recurrent obesity.
From the Paper "According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, obesity is a serious problem in the United States with as many as 66 percent of adults meeting the criteria of clinical obesity (USDHHS 2007). Even more troubling is the fact that approximately 20 percent of children under 18 are also overweight with reliable data indicating that overweight children are likely to remain overweight and much more prone
to obesity as adults than children who are not overweight (Kotz 2007).
"Obesity is a known risk factor in many chronic major health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes, as well as arthritis and even some forms of cancer. It reduces the quality of life and life span and costs the American health care system billions of dollars every year in the costs associated with treating the wide range of medical problems associated with clinical obesity and chronic overweight."
Paper about an experiment examining the ability of baker's yeast to ferment a variety of naturally occurring and synthetic carbohydrates in different forms.
1,880 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 2 sources, 2000, $ 60.95
From the Paper "The substances tested in this experiment are glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, starch, saccharine, and aspartame. Saccharine is tested in the form of Sweet ?n? Low solution, aspartame is tested in Diet Pepsi, and a natural fruit juice and Pepsi are tested as a measure of natural sugars in common solution. The capacity of the yeast to metabolize each of the different natural or synthetic carbohydrates in this experiment is measured by the quantity of CO2 released during the reaction. It was determined by comparing CO2 production that in a controlled reaction with baker's yeast, galactose, lactose, starch, aspartame, and saccharine all displayed no significant change in gas volume, indicating that the yeast is not able to ferment these substances and thereby create CO2. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, Pepsi, and fruit juice all produced noticeable amounts of CO2, indicating successful metabolic action by the yeast with these substances."
Tags: biology, controlled, experiment, kansas, ku, lab, university, yeast
Abstract A paper on the new craze of high-protein, low-carbohydrate, low- fat diets and their effects on the body. The paper focuses on the deleterious effects of a high protein diets for those with pre- existing medical conditions, diabetes, renal dysfunction and heart disease.
From the Paper "It appears to me that Americans are becoming the most overweight population on Earth. We are gaining weight faster than ever. We have all heard of the fly-by-night diets and weight loss programs guaranteeing overnight results. It appears there is a propensity of those who appear physically fit to do well in society and no doubt that in our world exists inescapable superficiality. The will of those trying to lose: fervent, the price could be your life. The range is vast, from those trying to shed those very last few pounds for the bathing suit season to those who are medically morbidly obese. We spend enormous amounts of dollars on these purported miracles, only to succumb to the reality of medical quackery: no results. ?In 1990, Americans spent over 33 billion on weight- loss products and services.? (Miles, Petrie & Steel, 2000, p.254) Sadly, those who are overweight will try anything and everything to lose those pounds, and in doing so, may be causing harm."
Abstract This essay focuses on the vegetarian aspects of the Atkins diet, specifically the consequences of this diet on vegetarians. The paper discusses how the the diet is a successful option for meat eaters who wish to loose weight within a short period of time but could be potentially detrimental to vegetarians. The paper focuses on how a vegetarians can accomplish the induction period of the diet, and the problems that vegetarians face attempting low-carbohydrate diets, which omnivores do not have to worry about. It illustrate some of the better known consequences of this diet from scientific findings, opinions of those who have tried it and from personal experience. The paper concludes with some ideas of how a better diet could be created for vegetarians who do wish to lose weight using some of the basics of the science found in the Atkins diet.
From the Paper "To be on the Atkins diet involves an induction period of two weeks. In this initial two weeks, which is known as the "kick start" to the diet, the dieter is to take in less then 20 grams of carbohydrates a day. This means absolutely no wheat or grain products, no sugar or candy of any kind, and no fruit, just to name of few of the product groups forbidden during induction. The scientific purpose of induction includes, breaking certain food addictions, making the switch within your body from carbohydrate burning to fat burning, as well as stabilizing the body's blood sugar levels. ?The name Induction signifies that its purpose is to induce weight loss by changing your body's chemistry so that you will achieve lipolysis and the secondary process of ketosis.? The rules of induction are fairly simple, and the basics are eat regular meals, eat liberally, and watch for hidden carbohydrates. Most importantly it suggests following the acceptable food lists provided by Dr. Atkins."
Abstract This paper states that diet can affect the development of cancer: The food itself may contain cancer-causing agents or carcinogens, and the intestinal bacteria undergo mutation because of diet and in mutated form may activate or produce carcinogens from the ingested food or bile acids. This paper explains that poor nutrition adversely affects all components of the immune system, which is associated with cancer. The author believes that different studies have found different results, and the resulting plethora of information can be organized to support almost any desired diet.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Role of the Immune System
Diet and the Immune System
Diet and the Development or Prevention of Cancer
Protein
Carbohydrates Dietary Fiber
Lipids
Free Radicals
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin E
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin K
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Thiamine or B1
Riboflavin or B2
Niacin
Pantothenic Acid
Pyridoxine or B6
Vitamin B12
Folic Acid
Biotin
Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C
Minerals
Selenium
Zinc
Calcium
How Much Is Enough?
Obesity
Where to Buy Food
From the Paper "Protein is receiving a lot of attention right now due to the quick weight loss success resulting from a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. And like most forms of "extreme dieting," dieting that maximizes the ingestion of one specific food or food group and minimizes another, this diet is not healthy. Whether research linking high animal fat to a higher incidence of certain types of cancer is accurate, an excessive amount of protein can result in affects just as adverse as those resulting from a minimal amount of protein."
Abstract When it comes to nutrition, terms like carbohydrate, lipid, monosaccharides, protein and cholesterol can sound almost like a foreign language. With all the conflicting reports of what affects ones body and what does harm, it is no wonder that people are so confused. The paper shows, however, that the importance of these substances is so vital that by understanding what they are, as well as how they are used by our bodies can certainly benefit our health and overall well being.
From the Paper "By definition, a carbohydrate is group of chemical compounds that exist when hydrogen and oxygen (H2O) are then combined with carbon (Ed., Encarta). Carbohydrates are the largest group of organic compounds found in nature (Encarta). Humans, animals, plants and bacteria all use carbohydrates, and the uses for them varies depending on the organism using them. Plants use them for structural uses ? as in the cellulose and hemicellulose that are their main structural elements (Encarta). The cell coatings of the connective tissues in vertebrate animals have carbohydrates in them; both animals and plants use various forms of carbohydrates to store energy (Encarta). Chitin is a carbohydrate, and is the primary ingredient for the exoskeleton of invertebrate animals (Encarta)."
Abstract This paper examines the pros and cons of the Atkins diet, based on the controversial idea of the intake of a high protein and high fat diet with the reduction in the intake of carbohydrates. The paper explores the marketing strategies of this diet as they are employed in the United States and Europe.
Outline
I. Background on Atkins Diet
II. When was Atkins Introduced into USA
III. How is the US Market doing in terms of Sales this Year
IV. Global Introduction:
V. Marketing and Advertising Strategies
VI. Where is Atkins headed?
VII. Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Atkins was born in Columbus, in the state of Ohio in the year 1930. After having joined the University of Michigan, he graduated with a Major in Pre-meds, after which Atkins received his Medical Degree in the year 1955 from the Cornell University Medical School. By the year 1959, he had finished his residencies at both Rochester and Columbia Universities, and also at St. Luke's Hospital at New York. Equipped with the experiences gained from the residencies, Dr. Atkins was able to start his private practice at New York City in the year 1960. It was in the year 1963 that he began to conduct a lot of research and also formalize his findings on the subject of 'controlled carbohydrate intake', as based on a series of articles that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association. However, it was not until the year 1972 that the very first edition of the revolutionary book, 'Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution' was published, which was followed by Dr. Atkins findings on the effects of the destabilizing effects of Diabetes or Blood Sugar published in the book 'Dr. Atkins' Super Energy Diet' in the year 1977. (From Past to Present)"