The Six Nutrients

Nutrition is the study of nutrients and how the body uses them. What is nutrition? Nutrition is the study of nutrients and how the body uses them. Nutrients: a basic component of food that nourishes the body

What are the six nutrients? The six nutrients include: Carbohydrates Proteins Fats Vitamins Minerals Water

The body’s main source of energy. What foods contain carbohydrates? Cereals, pasta, fruits, vegetables, and many more! There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex.

Simple Carbohydrates Simple carbohydrates are quick energy sources Usually found in sugars The types of sugars include: Sucrose : also known as table sugar Fructose : occurs in fruits Glucose : sometimes known as blood sugar Maltose : found in grains Lactose : commonly known as milk sugar

Complex Carbohydrates Complex carbohydrates are considered more healthy than simple carbohydrates The two types of complex carbohydrates are starch and fiber. Starch: supplies the body with long, sustained energy Dietary fiber: does not break down completely in the body = essential for regulating the body

Proteins Proteins have multiple functions: Build and repair body tissue Maintain cell growth Provides energy Proteins are made up of amino acids (there are 9 essential amino acids) What foods contain proteins? Animal sources are the best sources of protein

Complete vs. Incomplete Proteins Complete proteins have all 9 essential amino acids. Mainly found in animal sources (meat, milk, eggs, etc.) Incomplete proteins do not have all 9 essential amino acids Found in nuts, beans, peas, etc. Must be paired with another incomplete protein (or complete protein) in order to get the 9 essential amino acids

Fats also provide the body with energy. Too much fat can result in weight gain. Fats have double the amount of calories than carbohydrates and proteins

Vitamins have many different functions. Vitamins are separated into two groups: fat- soluble and water-soluble.

Vitamins Fat-soluble vitamins: absorbed and stored in fat Vitamins A, D, E and K Water-soluble vitamins: dissolved in water and transported throughout the body All other vitamins

Minerals Minerals, like vitamins, have many different functions. Two types: Macrominerals: calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iodine Trace minerals: iron, zinc, fluorine and copper

Water is the most important of all of the 6 essential nutrients Human life cannot be sustained without water.