6 Essential Nutrients, 6 Major nutrients and their functions and sources, The six classes of nutrients, NUTRITION (six classes of nutrients/functions)
Carbs, Fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, water
What are the six classes of nutrients?
Proteins
build and repair body tissue / provide energy (contains nitrogen)
Fats
long Provide Energy
Vitamins
regulate body processes
minerals
regulates body processes
water
regulates body processes
Carbs
short Provide Energy
Water
Acts as a solvent and lubricant to transport nutrients and waste, and a temperature regulator
Water
Carries nutrients to cells and carries the waste away.
Carbohydrate
Energy
Examples of minerals
Examples of this nutrient can be found in meat, cereals, fish, milk and dairy foods, vegetables, fruit (especially dried fruit) and nuts.
Examples of proteins
Examples of this nutrient include eggs, dairy products (like milk and cheese) and red meat and fish.
Protein
Growth and repair
Fats
Help regulate blood pressure and play role in the synthesis and repair of vital cell parts.
Fat
Helps keep you warm. Also helps transport vitamins.
Proteins
Maintain body tissues; provide calories for the body; and important for enzymes to increase rate of chemical bodily reactions.
Minerals
Play a role in the nervous system functioning, water balance and structural systems
Carbohydrates
Provide major source of calories or energies for the body. (4 KCAL/GRAMS on average).
Minerals
The body's Building blocks
Carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins
The organic nutrients include:
Carbohydrates
There are two types: simple and complex. They are the main source of energy. Energy is converted from them and stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen.
Proteins
These are composed of amino acids which the body needs for growth and repair.
Minerals
These are essential nutrients which our body needs in order to work properly. They help build strong bones and teeth and turn food into energy.
Vitamins
These are essential nutrients which the body needs to function properly. There are two types - fat soluble and water soluble. The fat-soluble types are stored in the body, but the water soluble types are not.
Simple Carbohydrates
These are sugars (e.g. glucose and fructose) which are broken down in the body to give a quick release of energy.
Water
This allows us to maintain our hydration levels and reduces the onset of dehydration.
Fiber
This is also known as roughage. It helps the digestive system function properly and keeps it healthy and helps excretion as well as reducing constipation.
Vitamins
To enable chemical reactions to occur in the body. They help release the energy trapped in carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
Fiber
Undigestible carbohydrate that helps with solid waste
