Six Nutrients In Food

The six nutrients are carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. Carbohydrates are organic compounds in food that when eaten are broken down to provide energy. Carbohydrates are broken down into two groups: simple and complex. They are starches found in grains, fruits, and vegetables. Proteins are amino acids in food that has been broken down in the digestive system. Proteins help build and repair muscles, red blood cells, and other tissues. Fat is like proteins and carbohydrates but it has a lot more calories and is not good if too many are eaten. Fat is needed for survival and heat but too much fat can cause health issues. Fat is broken down into saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fat is a single bonded fatty acid most common in meat from

Unsaturated fat means there is at least one double bond in the fatty acid chain most common in nuts. Vitamins are substances need by the body. Vitamins can not be made in the body they have to be eaten in food or supplements. There are thirteen vitamins. Minerals are similar to vitamins you have to eat them together them. The only difference in the two is that minerals can not be broken down. Water also known as H2o is very important to our body. Water is important because it controls our temperature, carries nutrients to our cells, and helps our cells function. Water keeps you hydrated but does not have all of the calories like fats and carbohydrates. Healthful food choices can be made and include all of these nutrient if all the food groups are eaten. For example carbohydrates are included in grains, fruits, and vegetables. Proteins are located in the grains and vegetables. Fat is located in meats. Vitamins and minerals come from fruits and vegetables. Water can be found in fruits and vegetables plus you always need something