2. What is a nutrient? A nutrient is a chemical that an organism needs in order to survive and grow. Nutrients are the substances that supply the body. They build and repair tissues, give heat and energy, regulate body processes.
3. Six types of nutrients The six nutrients the body needs: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Minerals, Fats, Vitamins, and Water. The body uses all of these nutrients to provide support in the body. Help the immune system fight diseases. Each nutrient has a specific purpose.
4. Proteins A protein is a long chain of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Most of our body parts are made from proteins: hair, skin, blood, organs, and muscles. Proteins is needed for cells to grow. It also repairs or replaces healthy cells and tissues.
5. Carbohydrates Bodyâs main source of energy, because they can be transformed fast into glucose(sugar thatâs is transported and used by the body). Two types of carbohydrates: complex and simple.
6. Complex Carbohydrate Combination of different types of sugars. Take a longtime to break down. Often referred as starch, a large number of glucose joined together. Starch or complex carbohydrates include foods such as breads, pasta, nuts, and beans, etc.
7. Simple carbohydrates Referred as a quick energy source, they can be digested easily. Made up of a single basic sugar. Provide the sweet taste in our food, such as cakes, soda, candy, and jellies, etc.
8. Minerals Help your body grow, develop, and stay healthy. The body uses minerals to perform many different functions â from building strong bones to transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal, heartbeat. Minerals do not produce energy.
9. Fats Fats or lipids are an important part of a healthy diet. They are formed by fatty acids and glycerol. Fatty acids are needed to help the body absorb fat soluble vitamins. Two types of fat are: saturated and unsaturated. Each type of fat is used differently in our bodies and has different effects.
10. Saturated fat Type of single-bond animal or vegetable fat. Eating food containing this fat can raise up the level of cholesterol in your blood which increases the risk of a heart disease or a stroke. The majority of saturated fat come mainly from animal sources, including meat and dairy products like butter, egg yolks, and coconut or palm oil.
11. Unsaturated fat Results from plant and animal sources. Eating foods that have more unsaturated fat than saturated fat may cause low blood cholesterol levels. Found mainly in fish, nuts, seeds, salmon, olives, walnuts, and liquid vegetable oils such as soybean, corn, canola, olive and sunflower. This fat spreads vitamins A, D, E, and K, keeping the hair and skin healthy. They play a key role in maintaining the body warm.Â
12. Water/Facts Most important nutrient, because many of the bodyâs processes including chemical reactions take place in water. Need to drink at least 1 liter of water each day. Dehydration might occur leading problems with the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous system if you donât drink water. body is made up of 55-75 percent water. Water does not produce energy.
