Nutrients

Nutrients are chemical substances necessary for an organism’s growth and proper function.

Nutrients: with or without Calories

With Calories Without Calories

• carbohydrates water

• lipids (fats) vitamins

• proteins minerals

Nutrients: Organic or Inorganic

Organic Inorganic

• carbohydrates water

• lipids minerals

• proteins

• vitamins

Few foods contain all six

nutrients. In fact, most foods

contain a concentration of just

one or two.

Vitamins• Vitamins -are coenzymes. They activate the

enzymes and help them to function. • Because vitamins generally cannot be

synthesized by the human body, a diet should include the proper daily amounts of all vitamins.

• Only small quantities are needed. The only vitamin that humans can synthesize in large quantities is vitamin D (needed for growth, metabolism, bones and teeth).

• Fat soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, & K can be harmful if too much is taken in.

Minerals Minerals are inorganic substances

required for normal functions of the body. Animals may extract minerals from plants, or from other animals, or animal products (milk). Examples: K (potassium), Na (sodium), Fe (Iron), Mg (magnesium), Ca (calcium) etc.

WATER

• Water – Most of the reactions that maintain life take place only in water.

• It makes up 90% of the fluid of the blood.

• It is also the medium in which wastes are dissolved and carried away from body tissues.

• It helps regulate body temperature.

National Center for Health Statistics Leading causes of Death

Do you like Twinkies?

Counting Calories?

They now sell as 740 calorie Breakfast Burrito