Free online courseNutrition Course

Course Description

Welcome to the Nutrition Course, an extensive program designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and its pivotal role in health and weight management. Over the span of 9 hours and 55 minutes, this course immerses students in a wide array of topics crucial for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of nutrition or pursue a career in this field. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, this course stands out in the Health category, under the Nutrition and Weight Loss subcategory, reflecting the high satisfaction of its participants.

The course begins with a warm introduction titled "Welcome to Nutrition Steps!" to familiarize students with the scope and objectives. It then advances into the core scientific principles with "The Science of Nutrition", elucidating the biological and chemical foundations of nutrients and their functions within the human body.

Understanding the essential principles of nutrition is paramount, and hence, the course comprehensively discusses "The Key Principles of Nutrition" followed by strategies to prevent both nutritional deficiencies and excesses. Students explore how optimal nutrition promotes health and prevents diseases, underlining the vital concept that good nutrition is a preventive measure against many health conditions.

The curriculum dives deep into what nutrients are, providing a brief survey and detailing how much of each we need. The "Nutrient Composition of Foods" segment explores the intricate relationship between nutrients and the food we consume, leading to a thorough explanation of the digestive process in "From Food Back To Nutrients."

An evolutionary perspective is presented in "Ancient Genes in Modern Times", highlighting how modern dietary habits contrast with those of our ancestors. The course then delves into modern issues such as hunger, satiety, and the psychological aspects of eating, including comfort eating, stress eating, and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

"What drives our food choices?" investigates the determinants of our dietary habits and offers practical strategies to facilitate healthier choices. The emphasis on energy balance provides insights into calorie expenditure, calculating calorie requirements, and understanding optimal body weight and fat distribution, crucial for addressing obesity and weight management.

The course offers an in-depth analysis of macronutrients, starting with carbohydrates. Modules cover the importance of glucose, the difference between simple and complex carbs, the effects of insulin, and the significance of the glycemic index. Participants will also learn about the nutritional impact of whole versus refined grains, hidden sugars, and the controversial topic of sugar substitutes.

In the fats section, students will uncover the truth behind lipid hypotheses and the repercussions of fat wars. They will learn about triglycerides, fatty acids, lipid oxidation, and the delicate balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The complexities of lipid digestion and the roles of cholesterol are thoroughly explained.

Proteins are elucidated as the primary nutrient, covering topics from their structure and function to the necessity of essential amino acids and protein digestion. The course addresses protein requirements, potential deficiencies, and implications of excess protein intake.

Finally, the significance of micronutrients is showcased, with particular attention to vitamins A, D, and E, each highlighted for their unique roles and benefits. By the end of this comprehensive course, students will have gained a holistic understanding of nutritional science, equipped with the knowledge to promote health through optimal dietary practices.