Each of the 6 nutrients has a specific job or vital function to keep you healthy  As an energy source  To heal, and build and repair tissue  To sustain growth  To help transport oxygen to cells  To regulate body functions

Carbohydrates  Starches and sugars found in foods.  Simple- Found naturally in food (fruits, vegetables), or added to food (fructose, lactose)  Complex- Starches, long chains of sugars linked together. (Whole grains, pasta, breads)  Fiber- Cannot be digested by the body. Removes waste product. (Fruits and vegetables, whole grains)

What do they do?

Proteins  Nutrients that build and maintain cells and tissues  Made of AMINO ACIDS: 9 essential amino acids found only in food.  COMPLETE PROTEINS:  CONTAIN ALL 9 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS  SOYBEAN, FISH,MEAT,CHICKEN,EGGS, DAIRY

Proteins  INCOMPLETE PROTIENS:  MISSING ONE OR MORE AMINO ACID.  SEEDS OF PLANTS *YOU CAN ADD INCOMPLETE PROTEINS TOGETHER TO GET ALL ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS. EXAMPLE: PEANUT BUTTER + WHOLE GRAIN BREAD

Fats  Types:  Unsaturated: Vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.  Contains Essential Fatty Acids that the body cannot make!  Saturated: Animal based foods, meat & dairy products.  Too much can increase your risk for heart disease.  Trans fats: Processed fats formed through hydrogenation. Causes vegetable oil to harden and increase saturation.  Can be found in margarine and snack foods.

Why do we need Fat?  Fats provide a concentrated form of energy.  Essential fatty acids are important in brain development, blood clotting and controlling inflammation.  Stored fat provides insulation for your body.  Increase levels of cholesterol which is needed in small amounts.

Vitamins  Compounds found in food to help regulate body processes.  Water Soluble: B complex, C, Folic acid  Dissolve in water and not stored in the body.  Need to replenish regularly.  Fat Soluble: A,D,E,K  Absorbed and transported by fat.  Stored in the body for later use. If consumed in large amounts the vitamins can build up and be toxic.

Minerals  Elements found in food that are not made in the body.  Body needs only trace amounts  Calcium, Iron, Magnesium

Water  Essential for most body functions  Functions:  Moves food through the digestive system.  Transporting nutrients and removing waste.  Storing and releasing heat.  Cooling the body through perspiration.  Lubricating the joints.