6 Essential Nutrients Nutrients Substances in foods that

6 Essential Nutrients

Nutrients Substances in foods that your body needs in order to grow, have energy, and stay healthy

Carbohydrates Provide the major source of energy for the body. - Simple Carbohydrates are used for quick immediate energy. - Complex Carbohydrates are used for long-lasting energy. Major Sources: are cereals, breads, pasta, and some vegetables

Protein Builds and repair body tissue Makes hormones and components of the immune system that help to fight off infections. Forms parts of muscle, skin, hair, nails, connective tissue, and glands. Can also serve as an energy source. Good sources of protein: meats, fish, nuts, eggs, and dairy products.

Fats (lipids) Provides energy for the body, keeps the skin healthy, stores energy and promotes normal growth. No more than 30% of people’s daily intake of calories should come from fat. Saturated Fats- solid at room temp. (fats in meat, poultry, dairy products. . ) Unsaturated Fats- liquid at room temp. (plant sources, vegetable oils, nuts, olives…)

Vitamins Substances that help regulate the body’s functions Your body needs vitamins to PRODUCE energy and fight off infections. -Water soluble: dissolve in water and have to be replaced everyday -Fat soluble: dissolve in fat

Minerals Natural substances found in the earth’s crust. Regulate Help blood pressure with muscle contraction Provide Heals major components of bones wounds. Examples include: iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, fluoride

Water Helps regulate body temperature Question: How does water cool your body? Helps remove waste products from the body. Controls the concentration of nutrients in the body. Helps digestive and respiratory processes.

Water Makes Every An up about 50 -60% of the body’s weight. cell in the body needs water in order to survive. adult can survive about 8 weeks without food, but only a few days without water.