Types of Nutrients PDF
Types of Nutrients PDF
Types of Nutrients
Food is fuel for your body. Each type of
nutrient has a specific purpose and meets a
specific need that your body has. The six
nutrients are:
Protein: Proteins are nutrients that are essential to the building, maintenance, and repair of
body tissue such as the skin, the internal organs, and muscle. They are also the major
components of our immune system and hormones.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide fuel for the body in the form of glucose. Glucose is a
sugar that is the primary source of energy for all of the body's cells. Adults should get about
45% of their calories from carbohydrates.
Fats: Fat is made up of compounds called fatty acids or lipids. Depending on their chemical
structure, these fatty acids are called monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated, or trans
fats. Trans fats and saturated fats are the unhealthiest fats to eat.
Vitamins: Vitamins help with chemical reactions in the body. In general, vitamins must come
from the diet; the body doesn't make them. There are 13 vitamins essential to the body. They
are divided into two categories: water-soluble (vitamin C and all the B vitamins) and fat-
soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K).
Minerals: Minerals, like vitamins, must come from the diet; the body doesn't make them.
Many minerals are vital to the proper function of the body and must be taken in relatively
large amounts (such as calcium, potassium, and iron). Others, like trace minerals (zinc,
selenium, and copper), are only needed in small amounts to maintain good health.
(Source: WebMD)