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)