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Six Essential
Nutrients
What is Nutrition?
▪ The Study of nutrients and how the body
uses them.
So what is a nutrient?
▪ Substances that are important for the
body’s growth and maintenance.
▪ Nutrients are found in the foods we eat.
▪ We need to eat a variety of foods
because one food does not have all the
nutrients.
There are 6 essential
nutrients…
▪ Can Fanny Play Violin Much Worse?
Carbohydrates
▪ The body’s main source of energy.
▪ Two types: simple (sugars) & complex
(starches)
▪ Simple: Crash & Burn Effect—comes
from sugars—candy, soda, doughnuts
▪ Complex: Long term energy---comes
from foods like pasta, bread, starchy
vegetables like peas & potatoes
Carbohydrates Continued
▪ Fiber is a special type of carbohydrate.
▪ Comes from plant sources only-- such as
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
▪ Cannot be digested but aids in digestion
by helping to eliminate waste
products from the body.
Fats
▪ Used by the body to store energy.
▪ But have twice as many calories as
carbohydrates.
▪ Fats store energy & form cell membranes
▪ Insulated body & Protect organs
▪ Fats are solid at room temperature & Liquids
are referred to as oils.
▪ Types of fat include: saturated, unsaturated,
trans-fat and cholesterol
▪ Omega’s are good fats
Proteins
▪ Building blocks for the body for growth and
repair.
▪ Your skin, hair, blood, muscles and vital organs
are made of proteins.
▪ Made up of amino acids.
▪ Protein sources: Plant (incomplete) & Animal
(complete)
▪ Plant sources: Beans, Soy, Lentils
▪ Animals sources: Beef, Pork, Fish, Eggs,
Cheese, Poultry
Vitamins
▪ Are substances needed in small amounts to
help regulate body functions.
▪ They help your body use other nutrients, store
and use energy and fight infection.
▪ Examples include vitamin A, B, C, D, E & K
▪ Most come from fruits, veggies, & dairy.
▪ Some vitamins are stored in your body.
▪ Nutrition Facts label includes Vitamins A & C
Vitamins Continued
▪ Some vitamins are fat soluble-stored in
your fats.
▪ Some vitamins are water soluble-stored
in the fluids in your body.
Minerals
▪ Main function is to control important chemical
reactions in the body.
▪ Needed in small amounts to help keep bones
strong, teeth healthy, blood healthy.
▪ Your body needs 17 minerals daily
▪ Come from earth’s crust—examples are iron,
calcium, and iodine (iron & calcium are
included on nutrition facts label)
▪ Sources—milk, salt, spinach, fruits & veggies
Water
▪ Necessary for survival
▪ Water keeps us hydrated
▪ Water helps move foods and nutrients
through our bodies; aids in digestion
▪ Need approximately 64 oz. daily.
▪ Sources: fruits, veggies, soups, juices, &
dairy products.