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