Nutrients

Nutrients: Introduction to the digestive system

7 SCIENCE Mon.,Nov. 8

Why is it important to study nutrients?

• Nutrients are important because they are substances in food that give cells energy and materials to develop, grow and repair themselves if necessary

• 6 kinds:– Carbohydrates– Proteins– Vitamins– Fats– Minerals– Water

• These are available in food and broken down in your digestive system

• What nutrients do you are needed to repair a broken bone?

Carbohydrates• Main source of energy for

your body• 3 types:– Sugar, starch and cellulose

• Foods like:– Fruit– Honey– Potatoes– Pasta

Proteins

• Used by your body for growth • Replaces and repairs (fixes) body cells• Foods like:– Meat– Beans– Cheese

Fats

• Also gives your body energy• Helps your body absorb some

vitamins • Foods like:– Fish – Red meat– Cooking oils

Vitamins

• Only need vitamins in small amounts• Helps your body grow and perform daily

activities• Foods like:– Fruits and vegetables– Example: Vitamin C

Minerals

• Used in chemical reactions in your body to build new cells, carry oxygen and other activities

• Example: calcium from milk and milk products helps keep bones strong

Water• Most of the nutrients cannot

be used by your body unless they are dissolved in water

• Need to drink about 2L to balance the water you lose each day– How do we lose water each

day?

• Around 60% of your body is water

• Did you know? You can live a few weeks without food, but only live a few days without water

Food Groups• No one food has all the

nutrients you need, so we have to eat a variety of foods

• Foods that have the same nutrients are in the same food group– Recommended that

you eat a certain amount from each group every day

Nutrients homeworkMeal Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snacks What did you eat?

Describe the food groups that were included in this meal.

Describe the vitamins you have eaten in this meal.

Describe the minerals you have eaten in this meal.