Nutrition is the science of how food nourishes the body. It encompasses all the processes involved in the body’s taking in of food, converting it into nutritional components (digestion and absorption), and eliminating waste products (excretion).
The six essential nutrients are:
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. They are found in grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk products.
- Proteins: Proteins are used for building and repairing tissues, and for making enzymes and hormones. They are found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds.
- Fats: Fats provide energy, insulation, and protection for organs. They are also essential for the absorption of some vitamins. Fats are found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and oils.
- Vitamins: Vitamins are organic substances that the body needs in small amounts to function normally. There are 13 essential vitamins.
- Minerals: Minerals are inorganic substances that the body needs in small amounts to function normally. There are 20 essential minerals.
- Water: Water is essential for all bodily functions. It makes up about 60% of the body’s weight.
A balanced diet is one that provides all the essential nutrients in the right proportions. It is important to eat a variety of foods from all the food groups to get the nutrients your body needs.
