Nutrition is the foundation of our physical and mental well-being,... Show more
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Lia Ventura
12/16/2025
Health
Nutrition notes
185
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Dec 16, 2025
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Essential Nutrition Notes for Medical Health
Lia Ventura
@cookiesgood_aktq
1 / 4
Nutrition Fundamentals & Digestion
Your nutritional status affects everything from your appearance to your energy levels. Good nutrition leads to healthy skin, positive attitude, proper sleep, high energy, and reduced anxiety. These benefits aren't just nice-to-have—they're essential for your daily performance at school and beyond.
The journey of nutrients through your body follows three main steps. First, digestion breaks down food both mechanically (through chewing) and chemically (using enzymes like amylase for carbs and peptic acid for proteins). Second, absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine, where tiny finger-like projections called villi capture nutrients and transfer them to your bloodstream. Finally, metabolism is how your cells actually use these nutrients.
Essential nutrients are substances your body needs but cannot produce enough of on its own. These include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, minerals, and vitamins. Carbohydrates are your body's preferred energy source, providing 4 calories per gram and breaking down quickly—starting right in your mouth!
💡 Quick Fact: All nutrients must eventually be broken down to glucose to be used as energy by your cells, but carbohydrates provide the quickest access to this fuel.
Carbohydrates & Proteins
Carbohydrates come primarily from plant sources and are the most cost-effective energy source for your body. You can find them in grains (bread, pasta, cereals), starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn), fruits, and sugars. Whole grains are particularly nutritious as they contain more fiber and nutrients than refined grains.
Fiber (cellulose) is an indigestible plant carbohydrate that attracts water and adds bulk to your digestive tract. Think of it as your digestive system's broom, sweeping through and promoting regular bowel movements. You'll find it in bran, whole grains, and fibrous fruits and vegetables.
Proteins are the building blocks of your body, providing 4 calories per gram. They build and repair tissues, regulate bodily functions, and provide energy when needed. What makes proteins special is their composition—they contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes sulfur, phosphorus, iron, and iodine, arranged as chains of amino acids.
🔍 Important Distinction: Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids and typically come from animal sources, while incomplete proteins (from plants) lack one or more essential amino acids. This is why vegetarians need to eat a variety of protein sources!
Fats, Water & Micronutrients
Lipids (fats) pack a whopping 9 calories per gram, making them your body's most concentrated energy source. Beyond energy, fats insulate your body, cushion organs, and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Fats in your body exist in different forms: triglycerides (stored energy), sterols like cholesterol (protecting cells), and phospholipids (forming cell membranes).
Not all fats are created equal. Saturated fats (solid at room temperature) generally come from animal sources, while unsaturated fats (liquid at room temperature) typically come from plants. Trans fats are particularly harmful, raising "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while lowering "good" cholesterol (HDL), increasing your risk of heart disease.
Water might not provide calories, but it's essential for nearly all body functions. It helps tissues absorb nutrients and remove waste. You need 6-8 glasses daily for optimal health. Meanwhile, minerals like sodium and potassium function as electrolytes, maintaining fluid balance and supporting muscle function.
💧 Hydration Hack: Your body can only use vitamins effectively when properly hydrated. Think of water as the delivery system for all those important nutrients!
Vitamins come in two types: water-soluble (B complex and C) that your body uses or excretes daily, and fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) that can be stored in your body fat for later use. Each plays crucial roles—from supporting your immune system to helping blood clot properly.
Metabolism & Nutritional Disorders
Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body burns at rest—think of it as your body's engine idling. Your total caloric needs depend on this baseline plus how active you are. The balance between calories consumed and calories burned is fundamental to weight management.
Nutritional imbalances can lead to several health conditions. Malnourishment occurs when you don't get enough nutrients or can't properly use what you eat, causing physical symptoms like muscle loss and cognitive problems like delayed development. Dehydration happens when fluid intake is inadequate, which can quickly affect your health.
Weight categories are defined by comparison to recommended ranges. Being underweight can be as problematic as being overweight or obese (more than 20% above normal or BMI over 30). Each condition carries its own health risks.
🧠 Mind-Body Connection: Your body image—how you perceive yourself physically—strongly affects your relationship with food. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (extreme weight loss and fear of gaining weight) and bulimia (cycles of binge eating and purging) are serious conditions involving both physical and psychological components.
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Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Essential Nutrition Notes for Medical Health
Lia Ventura
@cookiesgood_aktq
Nutrition is the foundation of our physical and mental well-being, involving how we take in food and use it for growth, metabolism, and repair. Understanding nutrition basics helps you make better food choices and maintain optimal health. This summary breaks... Show more
Nutrition Fundamentals & Digestion
Your nutritional status affects everything from your appearance to your energy levels. Good nutrition leads to healthy skin, positive attitude, proper sleep, high energy, and reduced anxiety. These benefits aren't just nice-to-have—they're essential for your daily performance at school and beyond.
The journey of nutrients through your body follows three main steps. First, digestion breaks down food both mechanically (through chewing) and chemically (using enzymes like amylase for carbs and peptic acid for proteins). Second, absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine, where tiny finger-like projections called villi capture nutrients and transfer them to your bloodstream. Finally, metabolism is how your cells actually use these nutrients.
Essential nutrients are substances your body needs but cannot produce enough of on its own. These include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, minerals, and vitamins. Carbohydrates are your body's preferred energy source, providing 4 calories per gram and breaking down quickly—starting right in your mouth!
💡 Quick Fact: All nutrients must eventually be broken down to glucose to be used as energy by your cells, but carbohydrates provide the quickest access to this fuel.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Carbohydrates & Proteins
Carbohydrates come primarily from plant sources and are the most cost-effective energy source for your body. You can find them in grains (bread, pasta, cereals), starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn), fruits, and sugars. Whole grains are particularly nutritious as they contain more fiber and nutrients than refined grains.
Fiber (cellulose) is an indigestible plant carbohydrate that attracts water and adds bulk to your digestive tract. Think of it as your digestive system's broom, sweeping through and promoting regular bowel movements. You'll find it in bran, whole grains, and fibrous fruits and vegetables.
Proteins are the building blocks of your body, providing 4 calories per gram. They build and repair tissues, regulate bodily functions, and provide energy when needed. What makes proteins special is their composition—they contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes sulfur, phosphorus, iron, and iodine, arranged as chains of amino acids.
🔍 Important Distinction: Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids and typically come from animal sources, while incomplete proteins (from plants) lack one or more essential amino acids. This is why vegetarians need to eat a variety of protein sources!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Fats, Water & Micronutrients
Lipids (fats) pack a whopping 9 calories per gram, making them your body's most concentrated energy source. Beyond energy, fats insulate your body, cushion organs, and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Fats in your body exist in different forms: triglycerides (stored energy), sterols like cholesterol (protecting cells), and phospholipids (forming cell membranes).
Not all fats are created equal. Saturated fats (solid at room temperature) generally come from animal sources, while unsaturated fats (liquid at room temperature) typically come from plants. Trans fats are particularly harmful, raising "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while lowering "good" cholesterol (HDL), increasing your risk of heart disease.
Water might not provide calories, but it's essential for nearly all body functions. It helps tissues absorb nutrients and remove waste. You need 6-8 glasses daily for optimal health. Meanwhile, minerals like sodium and potassium function as electrolytes, maintaining fluid balance and supporting muscle function.
💧 Hydration Hack: Your body can only use vitamins effectively when properly hydrated. Think of water as the delivery system for all those important nutrients!
Vitamins come in two types: water-soluble (B complex and C) that your body uses or excretes daily, and fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) that can be stored in your body fat for later use. Each plays crucial roles—from supporting your immune system to helping blood clot properly.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Metabolism & Nutritional Disorders
Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body burns at rest—think of it as your body's engine idling. Your total caloric needs depend on this baseline plus how active you are. The balance between calories consumed and calories burned is fundamental to weight management.
Nutritional imbalances can lead to several health conditions. Malnourishment occurs when you don't get enough nutrients or can't properly use what you eat, causing physical symptoms like muscle loss and cognitive problems like delayed development. Dehydration happens when fluid intake is inadequate, which can quickly affect your health.
Weight categories are defined by comparison to recommended ranges. Being underweight can be as problematic as being overweight or obese (more than 20% above normal or BMI over 30). Each condition carries its own health risks.
🧠 Mind-Body Connection: Your body image—how you perceive yourself physically—strongly affects your relationship with food. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (extreme weight loss and fear of gaining weight) and bulimia (cycles of binge eating and purging) are serious conditions involving both physical and psychological components.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content in Health
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user