The Six Essential Nutrients

1. The Six Essential Nutrients

2. The Six Essential Nutrients • Carbohydrates • Protein • Fats • Water • Vitamins • Minerals

3. Carbohydrates • Body’s Main Source of Energy • Types=sugars, starches and fiber • Sugars-used as a quick energy source (aka simple carbohydrates) • Starches-take longer for your body to use (aka complex carbohydrates) • Fiber- aids in digestion

4. Sources of Carbohydrates • Sugars • Candies, jellies, honey, milk, frosting • Starches • Fruits, vegetables, breads, pasta, beans • Fiber • Fruits, vegetables and grains

5. Proteins • Your skin, hair, nails, muscles, blood and other body tissues contain protein • Uses of proteins • Protein is needed for growth and repair of tissues • Protein is needed to control body processes such as blood circulation, breathing and digestion • Protein acts as a source of energy

6. What are proteins made of?

7. AMINO ACIDS

8. Complete versus incomplete proteins • Complete • Have all the essential amino acids • Sources of complete proteins come from animals include meat, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs, milk • Incomplete • Do not have all the essential amino acids • Incomplete proteins come from plant sources including beans, peas, nuts and seeds • Incomplete proteins can be mixed together to make complete proteins

9. Fats • Concentrated source of energy from animals or plants • Needed to keep body functioning properly • Carry fat soluble vitamins • Insulate and protect vital organs, and keeps you warm

10. Sources of fats Cholesterol comes from animal food sources. Too much cholesterol can lead to heart disease You need some fats, but eating too much causes weight gain and health problems.q2

11. Vitamins • Substances needed for growth and maintenance • Help regulate chemical processes • Help your body store and use energy • Try to get the vitamins you need from foods instead of supplements

12. Fat Soluble and Water Soluble

13. MInerals • Nutrient needed for a healthy body • Help to regulate body’s activities • Help muscles contract • Help nerves transmit signals to and from the brain • Maintain body’s water balance • Strengthens bones and teeth • Trace Minerals-minerals found in small amounts in the body

14. Water • Single most important substance you take into your body • You can only survive a few days without water • About 2/3 of your body is made up of water • Water carries nutrients into cells, carries wastes out of your body, aids in digestion, regulates internal body temperature • You need about 8 glasses of water each day