Essentials of Life

Nutrients: Substances in food that your body needs Water - Helps in digestion absorption of food - regulates body temperature - carries nutrients and oxygen to cells

Vitamins -helps the body fight infection -helps the body use other nutrients

Minerals elements that help form healthy bones and teeth aids in regulating body processes

Carbohydrates Sugars and starches that occur naturally in foods found mainly in plants

Proteins -nutrients your body uses to build, repair, and maintain cells and tissues -made of chemical building blocks, called amino acids

Fats -Promote healthy skin, and normal cell growth -carry vitamins D, E, K wherever your body needs them

Calories -Unit of measurement for energy 3,500 calories = 1 lb. of body weight

Calories in the Nutrients -Water- 0 Calories -Vitamins- 0 Calories -Minerals- 0 Calories -Carbohydrates- 4 calories per gram -Proteins- 4 calories per gram -Fats- 9 calories per gram