Food and Nutrition 1: Six Basic Nutrients

nonessential nutrients

Nutrients that are made naturally in the body. They can also be absorbed through certain foods.

fats

Nutrients that form a cushion to protect your organs. Keeps you warm. Stored around your muscles, bones and organs.

unsaturated fats

The type of fats that typically comes from plant sources such as olives, nuts, or seeds, but is also present in fish. Usually called oils. ("good" fats)

complex carbohydrate

These are also called starches. Starches include grain products, such as bread, crackers, pasta, and rice. They're also rich in fiber, which helps your digestive system work well.

simple carbohydrates

They are also called sugars and are broken down quickly by the body to be used as energy. Found naturally in foods such as fruits, milk, and milk products. They are also found in processed and refined sugars such as candy, table sugar, syrups, and soft drinks.

obesity

a condition of having excess body fat resulting in being greatly overweight

nutritionist

a person who studies foods and diets

nutrient

a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life

calorie

a unit of heat; a measure of energy in food

cholesterol

a waxy substance found in human tissues

water

carries nutrients to all parts of the body, washes out waste, and helps cool down the body; most important nutrient

proteins

nutrients that build and repair the body

carbohydrates

nutrients that give your body the most of its energy; sugars, starches, and fiber

vitamins

nutrients that help prevent disease

minerals

nutrients that help you grow and keep you healthy

essential nutrients

nutrients that the body needs to perform its basic functions; they come from the food we eat

amino acids

the building blocks of protein

saturated fats

the type of fat found in meat, cheese, and other dairy foods ("bad" fats)