Essential NutrientsJennifer Kim / Tracy XuComputers 8Search website: www.kidshealth.org

Carbohydrates

Definition: Carbohydrates are the body's major source of energy.

What it does? : The body breaks down carbs into the sugar glucose. It is absorbed into the bloodstream, which makes the sugar level in the blood go up.

Example foods: Sugars, grains, breads, crackers, and pasta

Types of Carbohydrates?: Sugars, and starches.

Fats

Definition :Fat is the extra flesh that animals and humans have under their skin, which is used to store energy.

What it does?: Fat keeps the body warm. Types of fats?: saturated, monounsaturated, and

polyunsaturated. Examples of fats: Butter, oil, nuts, meat, fish, and

some dairy products.

Protein Definition: Main body source that contains kids need to grow

properly and stay healthy. What it does?: your body uses protein to make haemoglobin.

Other proteins are used to build cardiac muscle. Example foods?: Beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products,

nuts, seeds, black beans and lentils. Types of protein?: complete, and incomplete protein.

Fiber (Fibre)• Definition?: Fibber is a thread like class of materials that are

continuous filaments. It is found in plants.

• What it does?: it helps clean out your intestines.

• Types: Textile fibres, Man-made fibres, Cellulose fibres, Mineral fibres, Polymer fibres, and Microfibers

• Example foods?: Bran muffins, brown rice, fruit, and oatmeal.

Water Definition: The liquid that descends from the clouds

as rain, forms streams, lakes, and seas, and is liquid oxide of hydrogen H2O.

what it does?: Types of water?: Distilled Water, Fluoridated Water,

Mineral Water, Purified Water, Sparkling Water, Spring Water, Sterile Water.

Example foods?: there are waters in vegetables.

Mineral Definition: Element or chemical compound that is

normally crystalline. What it does?: Help your body grow, develop, and

stay healthy. Some minerals are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat.

Example foods?: milk, cheese, yogurt, canned salmon, broccoli, orange juice, crackers, oats, wheat, beans…etc.

Types of mineral?: Macro minerals and trace minerals.

Vitamins Definition:Vitamins are substances that are found

in foods we eat. Your body needs them to work properly.

What it does?:It helps your growth and makes your body maintain a good health.

Example foods?: Apple, orange, eggs, nuts. Types of Vitamins?: Vitamin A, Vitamin B (B6,

B12), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E.