WHY WE EAT Essential Nutrient Notes

REASONS WHY WE EAT...  A. Physical well being  B. Energy  C. Body functions  D. Hunger  E. Growth of cells and tissues

NUTRIENTS  There are nutrients  Each nutrient plays a specific role in the body. Together they supply energy, provide materials for growth and maintenance and control body functions. Nutrients that do similar things are grouped together. The six classes of nutrients are:

CARBOHYDRATES Simple (sugar) Complex (starch)

CARBOHYDRATES  4 calories per gram  Provides energy “GO”  Half of your grains should be whole grains

Fats  9 calories per gram  Concentrated “GO”  Cut back on trans fats and saturated fats  Animal fats contain a fat like substance called Cholesterol

Fats Fats Solid fats  Saturated Liquid oils  Unsaturated (poly, mono) Trans fats

Protein  4 calories per gram  Provides the “grow”  Builds and repairs muscle tissues

Protein 4 calories per gram Complete All 9 essential amino acids Incomplete lacking 1 or more amino acids

Water- the Most Essential Nutrient Drink 8 cups of water a day!!!

Vitamins B’s C A DE D E K Folate, etc., etc....

Vitamins  Provide the “glow”  Provide no calories  Are in every food group.

Minerals  Provide the “Glow”  Provide no calories

Guides for good eating  Since 1916 the U.S. has used different guides for good eating. They have included:  Recommended Daily Allowances  The Basic Four  The Food Guide Pyramid  My Pyramid and now  My Plate

1942 – 1956 The Basic Seven

Basic Four

food guide

2010-

Effects of our food choices There is no one perfect food. We need to eat a variety.

Food effects : How we look, grow feel, act and grow. It affects abilities How we function mentally, socially, physically and emotionally

Effects of a poor diet  Heart disease  High blood pressure  Obesity  Some cancers

Foods are grouped by the nutrients they are highest in. Match the nutrients with the food groups on MyPlate  Carbohydrates  Fats  Proteins  Vitamins  Minerals