Essential Nutrients Quiz

Nutrition Overview

• Nutrition is the study of nutrients and their utilization by the body.
• Nutrients are substances essential for growth and maintenance.
• A variety of foods is necessary since no single food contains all nutrients.

Six Essential Nutrients

• The six essential nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Carbohydrates

• Primary energy source for the body, classified into simple and complex types.
• Simple carbohydrates: Fast energy from sugars (e.g., candy, soda); leads to a "crash and burn" effect.
• Complex carbohydrates: Provide long-term energy from foods like pasta, bread, and starchy vegetables (e.g., peas, potatoes).
• Fiber: A type of carbohydrate from plant sources (fruits, vegetables, whole grains); aids digestion and helps eliminate waste.

Fats

• Serve to store energy, insulate the body, and protect organs, containing twice as many calories as carbohydrates.
• Types of fats:
  • Saturated fats: Solid at room temperature.
  • Unsaturated fats: Liquid at room temperature, referred to as oils.
  • Trans fats and cholesterol also fall under the fat category.

Proteins

• Building blocks for body growth and repair, essential for skin, hair, blood, muscles, and organs.
• Composed of amino acids.
• Protein sources:
  • Plant-based (incomplete proteins): Beans, soy, lentils.
  • Animal-based (complete proteins): Beef, pork, fish, eggs, cheese, poultry.

Vitamins

• Needed in small amounts to regulate body functions, utilize energy, and combat infections.
• Examples include vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K.
• Sources primarily include fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
• Some vitamins are fat-soluble (stored in body fats), while others are water-soluble (stored in bodily fluids).

Minerals

• Essential for controlling chemical reactions in the body.
• Important for maintaining strong bones, healthy teeth, and proper blood function.