This document discusses the six essential nutrients required by the human body: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins provide energy, while vitamins and minerals help regulate body functions and keep bones and teeth healthy. Water is necessary for survival and keeps the body hydrated. All six nutrients are obtained through foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and meats.

1. Six EssentialSix Essential
NutrientsNutrients

2. What is Nutrition?What is Nutrition?
 The Study of nutrients and how the bodyThe Study of nutrients and how the body
uses them.uses them.

3. So what is a nutrient?So what is a nutrient?
 Substances that are important for theSubstances that are important for the
bodybody’s growth and maintenance.’s growth and maintenance.
 Nutrients are found in the foods we eat.Nutrients are found in the foods we eat.
 We need to eat a variety of foodsWe need to eat a variety of foods
because one food does not have all thebecause one food does not have all the
nutrients.nutrients.

4. There are 6 essentialThere are 6 essential
nutrients…nutrients…
 CCanan FFannyanny PPlaylay VVioliniolin MMuchuch WWorse?orse?

5. CarbohydratesCarbohydrates
 The bodyThe body’s main source of energy.’s main source of energy.
 Two types: simple (sugars) & complexTwo types: simple (sugars) & complex
(starches)(starches)
 Simple: Crash & Burn Effect—comesSimple: Crash & Burn Effect—comes
from sugars—candy, soda, doughnutsfrom sugars—candy, soda, doughnuts
 Complex: Long term energy---comesComplex: Long term energy---comes
from foods like pasta, bread, starchyfrom foods like pasta, bread, starchy
vegetables like peas & potatoesvegetables like peas & potatoes

6. CarbohydratesCarbohydrates
ContinuedContinued
 Fiber is a special type of carbohydrate.Fiber is a special type of carbohydrate.
 Comes from plant sources only-- such asComes from plant sources only-- such as
fruits, vegetables, and whole grainsfruits, vegetables, and whole grains
 Cannot be digested but aids in digestionCannot be digested but aids in digestion
by helping to eliminate wasteby helping to eliminate waste
products from the body.products from the body.

7. FatsFats
 Used by the body to store energy.Used by the body to store energy.
 But have twice as many calories asBut have twice as many calories as
carbohydrates.carbohydrates.
 Fats store energy & form cell membranesFats store energy & form cell membranes
 Insulated body & Protect organsInsulated body & Protect organs
 Fats are solid at room temperature & LiquidsFats are solid at room temperature & Liquids
are referred to as oils.are referred to as oils.
 Types of fat include: saturated, unsaturated,Types of fat include: saturated, unsaturated,
trans-fat and cholesteroltrans-fat and cholesterol
 OmegaOmega’s are good fats’s are good fats

8. ProteinsProteins
 Building blocks for the body for growth andBuilding blocks for the body for growth and
repair.repair.
 Your skin, hair, blood, muscles and vital organsYour skin, hair, blood, muscles and vital organs
are made of proteins.are made of proteins.
 Made up of amino acids.Made up of amino acids.
 Protein sources: Plant (incomplete) & AnimalProtein sources: Plant (incomplete) & Animal
(complete)(complete)
 Plant sources: Beans, Soy, LentilsPlant sources: Beans, Soy, Lentils
 Animals sources: Beef, Pork, Fish, Eggs,Animals sources: Beef, Pork, Fish, Eggs,
Cheese, PoultryCheese, Poultry

9. VitaminsVitamins
 Are substances needed in small amounts toAre substances needed in small amounts to
help regulate body functions.help regulate body functions.
 They help your body use other nutrients, storeThey help your body use other nutrients, store
and use energy and fight infection.and use energy and fight infection.
 Examples include vitamin A, B, C, D, E & KExamples include vitamin A, B, C, D, E & K
 Most come from fruits, veggies, & dairy.Most come from fruits, veggies, & dairy.
 Some vitamins are stored in your body.Some vitamins are stored in your body.
 Nutrition Facts label includes Vitamins A & CNutrition Facts label includes Vitamins A & C

10. Vitamins ContinuedVitamins Continued
 Some vitamins are fat soluble-stored inSome vitamins are fat soluble-stored in
your fats. A, D, E, & Kyour fats. A, D, E, & K
 Some vitamins are water soluble-storedSome vitamins are water soluble-stored
in the fluids in your body. B and C.in the fluids in your body. B and C.

11. MineralsMinerals
 Main function is to control important chemicalMain function is to control important chemical
reactions in the body.reactions in the body.
 Needed in small amounts to help keep bonesNeeded in small amounts to help keep bones
strong, teeth healthy, blood healthy.strong, teeth healthy, blood healthy.
 Your body needs 17 minerals dailyYour body needs 17 minerals daily
 Come from earthCome from earth’s crust—examples are iron,’s crust—examples are iron,
calcium, and iodine (iron & calcium arecalcium, and iodine (iron & calcium are
included on nutrition facts label)included on nutrition facts label)
 Sources—milk, salt, spinach, fruits & veggiesSources—milk, salt, spinach, fruits & veggies

12. WaterWater
 Necessary for survivalNecessary for survival
 Water keeps us hydratedWater keeps us hydrated
 Water helps move foods and nutrientsWater helps move foods and nutrients
through our bodies; aids in digestionthrough our bodies; aids in digestion
 Need approximately 64 oz. daily.Need approximately 64 oz. daily.
 Sources: fruits, veggies, soups, juices, &Sources: fruits, veggies, soups, juices, &
dairy products.dairy products.