nutrients

• Food - is the source of nutrients needed to maintain good health and prevent diseases
• potential chemical energy - the stored energy found in food
• metabolism - chemical reaction that takes place inside the organism’s body
• energy - required to do work and perform vital activities
• calories - food energy is usually measured
• malnutrition - one does not eat a balanced diet
• overnutrition - eating too much
• carbohydrates - main source of energy
• 65% of our energy comes from carbohydrates
• carbohydatres mainly come from plants in a form of sugar and starch
• proteins - helping the body repair cells and make new ones, making essential hormones and enzymes
• fats - eating fat-rich food is an excellent way is storing energy for future use
• fats provide twice as much as energy as carbohydrates
• too much fat can have severe consequences since it can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, resulting in a disease called atherosclerosis
• vitamins - boosting body’s immune system
• Minerals - helps in building strong bones and teeth, normal muscle function and blood clotting
• Minerals required in small amounts are called trace elements
• water - the major functions of this nutrient include regulation of keeping the body temperature normal
• humans can survive longer without food than without water
• Fiber - helps digestion and prevent constipation
• six food groups

  • grains
  • vegetables
  • fruits
  • fats & oils
  • milk
  • meat, fish, eggs, & beans
• to have a healthy body with normal growth and development, we need a balanced diet to supply the body with energy and materials for its activities