Essential NutrientsBy: Catherine Cao

Carbohydrates

Fuel for body

Two types:

Simple (sugars)

Complex (starches)

Most reliable source of energy

In most foods

Grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, etc…

Fats

Helps develop brain, hormones, and nervous systems

Fuel for body

Types

Unsaturated (good)

Saturated (bad)

Keeps heat in

Found in nuts, oils, creamy foods, meats, etc…

Protein

Builds, maintains, and replaces body tissue

Types:

Complete (animal)

Incomplete (plants)

Makes up most of muscles and organs

Building block of all life

Found in meats, dairy, nuts, legumes, etc…

Fiber (Fibre)

Supports healthy digestive system

Helps prevent diabetes and heart disease

Types

Soluble: (dissolves in water)

Insoluble (doesn’t dissolve)

Filling, discourages overeating

In fruits, artichokes, almonds, legumes etc…

Vitamins

Helps body grow and develop

Types:

Vitamin D (milk)

Vitamin A (carrots)

Vitamin C (B1, B2, B6 etc.. Leaf veggies)

Not too much in body

Milk, fruit, dairy, meat, grains, sunlight etc…

Minerals

Helps body grow and develop

Types:

Macro minerals (big)

Calcium, potassium etc…

Trace minerals (small)

Iron, copper etc…

Not enough can cause health problems

Dairy, fish, vegetables, juice, meat, etc…

Water

Carries oxygen

Types

Drinking water

Water from food

Without, your body stops working

Makes up more than half of body weight

Fruit, milk, veggies etc…

Bibliography http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/carb.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/sugar.html

http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/food/carbohydrates.htm

http://kidshealth.org/kid/nutrition/food/fat.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/fat.html

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/fat_basics.html

http://kidshealth.org/kid/nutrition/food/protein.html

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/focus/nutrition/facts/detoxification/dietaryprotein.htm

http://www.nourishinteractive.com/healthy-living/free-nutrition-articles/13-eating-healthy-high-fiber-foods-kids-tips

http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/fiber.html#cat20132

http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/vitamin.html#cat20132

Facts About Vitamins for Kids | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5468141_vitamins-kids.html#ixzz1tBSAvGmC

http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/minerals.html#cat119

http://www.livestrong.com/article/358223-vitamins-minerals-dietary-guideline-for-kids/