Questions: Basic Nutrition Fundamentals

Question 1

Which macronutrient provides the most calories per gram?

• A. Carbohydrates (4 cal/g)
• B. Protein (4 cal/g)
• C. Fat (9 cal/g)
• D. All macronutrients provide the same number of calories per gram

Answer: (C)

Fat provides 9 calories per gram — more than twice as much as carbohydrates or protein (4 cal/g each). This is why fat-rich foods like oils, nuts, and butter are calorie-dense: small portions contain a lot of energy. This does not make fat harmful; it simply means portion size matters more for fat-rich foods.

Question 2

Dietary fat should be minimized as much as possible because it has no essential function in the body.

• T. True
• F. False

Answer: False

Dietary fat is essential. It supports hormone production, brain function, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and cell membrane structure. The misconception that 'fat is bad' conflates caloric density with harm — what matters is the type and quantity of fat, not fat's presence in the diet.

Question 3

Why does eating a variety of foods matter more than eating a large quantity of just one nutritious food?

Model answer: No single food provides all the nutrients the body needs. Different foods supply different vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, so variety ensures the body gets everything required for energy, growth, and regulation.

Even highly nutritious foods like spinach or eggs lack certain nutrients. Spinach is low in calories and vitamin B12; eggs lack fiber and vitamin C. The body requires dozens of distinct nutrients, and only a varied diet reliably covers them all.