6 basic nutrients
How each nutrient works in the body
Fats
Fats carry and send specific vitamins to certain parts of the body. Fats are stored in the body cushion and protect vital internal organs. fats make for healthy skin and promote normal growth rate.
Where can fats be found?
Fats are in meat, oils, and in nuts. Fats give flavor to our food and also texture. We don't need very much fat in our daily eating habits because too much fat can have bad health problems like obesity, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Vitamins
Vitamins help carry nutrients to a specific part of the body. Antioxidants are special vitamins like vitamin A, C, and E. Those three vitamins help the body from any cell damage that can lead to health effects such as cancer.
Where can vitamins be found?
Vitamins are found in fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads, and nuts. If you don't take enough vitamins then you cant get all the antioxidants your body needs. But too much vitamins pack a powerful punch.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates is the bodies main source of energy. There are 2 types of carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are are made up of one or two sugar units so sugars are simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are many sugars all attached together like starches would be a good example of complex carbohydrates.
Where can carbohydrates be found?
Simple carbohydrates are found in fruits and milk. Complex carbohydrates are found in pasta, rice, breads, potatoes, corn, cereal. Without carbohydrates your body cant break down starches in to sugars which will then be taken into the bloodstream and will be converted into energy for the body.
Protein
Protein from food is broken down into amino acids by the digestive system. Amino acids help build bones, tissues, and muscles. They also repair and maintain body tissue. they also regulate body processes such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
Where can protein be found?
Main sources of protein are animal products like meat, fish, poultry, milk, cheese and eggs and vegetable sources like legumes (beans, lentils, dried peas, nuts) and seeds. An excess of protein can either be converted into glucose and burned as energy or stored as fat.
Water
Water is a vital nutrient for good health. Most of our body weight (60-70%) is made up of water. Water helps to control our body temperature, carries nutrients and waste products from our cells, and is needed for our cells to function.
Where can water be found?
This fluid does not have to be water alone. It can also be obtained from juice, milk, soup, and foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables. It is recommended that adults drink 8 glasses of fluid daily.
Minerals
Minerals are components of foods that are involved in many body functions. Like vitamins, minerals are not a source of energy and are best obtained through a varied diet rather than supplements.
Where can minerals be found?
Minerals can be found in salmon, sardines, vegetables, and fruits. Calcium is found in milk which is a good source of minerals.