The Six Essential Nutrients

Examples of why we need water

Helps transportation of substances throughout the body; helps regulate body temperature; helps digestion

How minerals end up in food

Plants absorb nutrients from soil and water. Animals eat plants and drink water.

Nutrients

Substances in food that your body needs to grow, to repair itself, and to supply you with energy.

Function of protein

builds, maintains, and replaces the tissues in your body.

Names of the 6 essential nutrients

carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, water

Names of the three types of fat

saturated fats unsaturated fats (best for you) trans fat (worst for you)

Examples of food that are higher in fat

nuts oils butter red meat

Examples of food with complex carbohydrates

whole wheat bread pasta rice oats potatoes

Fiber

A form of complex carbohydrate found only in plant foods that helps your digestive system.

Names of the vitamins

A B C D E K

Trans fat

A fat found in processed foods with "hydrogenated oils" on the food label (like fried foods or certain processed snack foods)

Unsaturated fat

A fat that is liquid at room temperature (like vegetable oil)

Simple carbohydrates

A type of carbohydrate also known as sugar.

Complex carbohydrates

A type of carbohydrate known as a starch.

Proteins

An essential nutrient made of amino acids.

Dietary fat

An essential nutrient that is made up of fatty acids.

Carbohydrates

An essential nutrient that is the body's main source of energy. They are called simple or complex.

Examples of minerals

Calcium Potassium Iron Zinc

Vitamins

Essential nutrients that are not a source of energy, but help the body grow and function.

Minerals

Essential nutrients that come from soil and water.

Essential nutrients

Nutrients the body must get from food because it cannot make enough of them on its own.

Main function of dietary fat

To provide and store energy for the body.

Saturated fat

fats that are solid at room temperature (like butter)

Examples of food with simple carbohydrates

fruit milk Sweets

Examples of high-fiber foods

fruits, vegetables, whole grain nuts, seeds, legumes

Examples of high protein foods

meat fish nuts seeds eggs beans soy products