Nutrient Basics

Nutrient Basics

1. Nutrients

   • The foods you eat are a source of nutrients
   • Nutrients are substances found in food that you use to obtain energy build or repair tissue and regulate body functions
   • Food fuels you body like gas fuels a car
   • Your body needs nutrients to
     • Fuel your energy
     • Help you grow
     • Repair itself
     • Maintain basic bodily functions.

2. 6 Essential Nutrients

   • Water
     • The most basic and most important nutrient
   • Carbohydrates
     • Two types complex and simple but you need some of both
   • Protein
     • The nutrient most people already get enough of
   • Fat
     • Without this your brain and nerves won't work as well
   • Vitamins
     • Help break down and release energy from other nutrients
   • Minerals
     • Help perform a wide variety of essential functions in the body

3. Carbohydrates

   • Ideal source of energy
   • 55-65% of your food should be carbs
   • Simple
     • High in calories low in nutritional value
     • Some are found in fruits and vegetables and they do have more nutritional value in those
   • Complex
     • Great source of energy
     • Rich in vitamins minerals and fiber

4. Fiber

   • Indigestible but but helps digestion
   • May reduce the risk of some diaseases
   • Speeds up food passage and helps protect tract tissue to cancer causing agents
   • Binds with cholesterol and carries it out of the body