5.01C What is a Nutrient?

A nutrient is a chemical substance in food that helps maintain the body. You need over 50 nutrients, which can be divided into six groups. 5.01C What is a Nutrient? • Water • Carbohydrates • Lipids (Fats) • Proteins • Vitamins • Minerals 5.01C Nutrients 1

The Six Classifications of Nutrients • Water • Carbohydrates • Fats • Protein • Vitamins • Minerals Sugars Starches Cellulose 5.01C Nutrients 2

These Nutrients Have Calories • Proteins • Carbohydrates • Fats 5.01C Nutrients 3

Definition of a Calorie: • The unit used to measure the energy value of food. 5.01C Nutrients 4

Calories per gram: • Protein 1 Gram = 4 calories • Carbohydrates 1 Gram = 4 calories • Fat 1 Gram = 9 calories 5.01C Nutrients 5

Variables which affect nutrient needs: 1. Age 2. Gender 3. Activity Level 4. Climate 5. Health 6. State of nutrition 5.01C Nutrients 6

Key Nutrient: Water 5.01C Nutrients 7

Function • Aids digestion and cell growth and maintenance • Facilitates chemical reactions • Lubricates joints and cells • Regulates body temperature PPB5.01c_Nutrients 5.01C Nutrients 8

Sources • Liquids • Food • Breakdown of energy nutrients PPB5.01c_Nutrients 5.01C Nutrients 9

Key Nutrient: Carbohydrates PPB5.01c_Nutrients 5.01C Nutrients 10

Function • Supplies the energy • Provides fiber • Help the body digest fats 5.01C Nutrients 11

Sources • Sugars: honey, jam, molasses, candy, table sugar • Fiber: fruits, vegetables, whole grains • Starch: breads, cereals, pasta 5.01C Nutrients 12

Key Nutrient: Fats 5.01C Nutrients 13

Function • Supply energy • Carry fat-soluble vitamins • Insulate the body • Protect organs • Provide essential fatty acids 5.01C Nutrients 14

Sources • Types of Fats • Saturated: dairy products, meats, lard, coconut and palm oils • Unsaturated: fish, nuts, vegetable oils 5.01C Nutrients 15

Cholesterol • The fat-like substance in found in body cells. This substance clogs arteries. 5.01C Nutrients 16

Key Nutrient: Proteins 5.01C Nutrients 17

Functions • Builds and repairs muscles and cell tissues • Helps the body make important substances • Regulates body processes • Supplies energy 5.01C Nutrients 18

Sources • Complete proteins: • dairy products, eggs, fish, meat and poultry. • Incomplete proteins: • beans, grains and nuts. 5.01C Nutrients 19

Key Nutrient: Vitamins 5.01C Nutrients 20

Function Vitamins are divided into two main groups. • Fat-soluble vitamins • dissolve in fats • are stored in fatty tissues of the body • Water-soluble vitamins • dissolve in water • are not stored in the body 5.01C Nutrients 21

Fat-Soluble Vitamins 5.01C Nutrients 22

Water-Soluble Vitamins 5.01C Nutrients 23

Key Nutrient: Minerals 5.01C Nutrients 24

Minerals 5.01C Nutrients 25

Food For Thought Avoid excesses of some vitamins and minerals. To promote good nutrition and maintain good health: • Eat a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid. • Drink plenty of water • Daily exercise • Seek the advice of a physician or dietician before taking supplements 5.01C Nutrients 26

5.01C What is a Nutrient?