Nutrient Basics

Nutrient Basics

1. Nutrients in food

   • Used to:
     • Make energy
     • Regulate body funtions
     • Build or repair tissue
     • Over all help you grow
   • 6 Essential Nutrients
     • Water
       • The most basic and important nutrient that your body CAN'T live without
     • Carbohydrates
       • 2 types of carbs include: Simple and complex
         • Both provide dietary fiber and energy.
           • More readily available
         • Simple carbs have a high calorie count but low nutritional value
         • Complex carbs are full of minerals
       • Food sources include: Candy,soda,jelly,fruits,juices,milk and yogurt
     • Protein
       • Nutrient that people already get plenty of
       • Provides energy and helps repair/build/maintain body tissues
         • Food sources include: Meats, eggs, poultry, dairy,nuts,legumes
         • Can't be stored so protein needs to be consumed through out the day
       • The 2 types include complete and incomplete
     • Fat
       • Helps the functionality of our nerves and brain, but you don't want too much. Just a healthy amount will do.
       • Food sources include butter, salad dressing,seeds, dairy products,etc.
       • Also needed for healthy skin, growth and energy
         • The types include:
           • Saturated
           • Polyunsaturated
           • Monounsaturated
     • Vitamins
       • Don't create energy, but they release energy from other nutrients.
     • Minerals
       • Help provide functions within the body
   • Fiber is indigestible but helps digestion for other items
     • Oatmeal,fruits,veggies,whole grains, legumes are some food sources

2. 11 out of 9 Amino acids are provided within the human body. The other 9 need to be consumed from food sources

   • 9 amino acids come from animal sources
   • The others come from plant sources