2.1 Nutrients Your Body Needs

Notes

Nutrients are substances in food that the body uses for energy, growth and repair. There are six types.

• Carbohydrates: the body's main source of energy, found in grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.
• Proteins: build and repair muscles and other tissue, found in meat, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and dairy.
• Fats: provide energy, help absorb some vitamins and protect organs. Unsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, fish) are generally the better choice.
• Vitamins and minerals: needed in small amounts for many body processes, for example calcium for bones and iron for blood.
• Water: needed for nearly every body function.
• Fiber is a carbohydrate from plants that supports digestion.