Six Essential Nutrients and Digestion

Fiber

I am a nutrient that helps push the food though your digestive system, I help you poop!

Minerals

I am depended on for nearly every process necessary for life. The body requires 16 types of me everyday from calcium to iron

Carbohydrates

I am the body's main source of energy and I come in two forms, simple and complex.

Protein

I can be converted into energy. I am also used to build, maintain and repair body tissues.

Vitamins

I do not provide energy (calories) but I do help regulate many of the chemical processes in the body. You need 13 different forms of me everyday.

Large Intestine

Absorb water from the material that has not been digested as food, it gets rid of any waste products left over.

Small Intestine

Absorbs all of the nutrients into the blood stream

Fat

I have a bad reputation in many people's minds but I do serve many functions in the body. For example, I am the most concentrated source of energy and I also am needed for growth and healthy skin.

Water

I serve many functions in the body. I help carry nutrients to the body's cells and I also help regulate body temperature

Esophagus

It moves food from the back of your throat to your stomach

Stomach

This is where food is churned, and mashed together. Food is mixed with gastric juices and acid to break down the food and nutrients

Mouth

Where saliva is produced to begin the process of breaking down food into a form your body can absorb