1. Essential Nutrients Grade 6 Health Ms. R The Importance of Nutrition
Teacher’s Notes

2. What is Nutrition?
Definition: the study of nutrients and how the body uses them.
Good nutrition …
eating well-balanced meals with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
promotes good health and prevents diseases
Give an example of a well-balanced meal.
Dinner:
piece of chicken
side of green beans
side of applesauce
slice of whole wheat bread
glass of milk

3. What are Nutrients?
Definition: substances in food that your body needs to function properly throughout the day.
Which nutrients help to build new tissue and repair damaged cells?
Proteins
Which nutrients produce energy?
Carbohydrates (main energy source)
Fats

4. What are the Benefits of Good Nutrition?
Healthy eating can:
Stabilize energy
Sharpen the mind
Even out moods
Increase concentration
Lead to better academic performance
Improve performance in sports/activities
Decrease risk of illnesses

5. What are the Consequences of Poor Nutrition?
obesity
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
type 2 diabetes
bone and joint problems
breathing problems
sleeping problems
depression
greater risk for heart disease, heart failure and stroke

6. Knowledge Check Name benefits of good nutrition.
Name 3 consequences of poor nutrition.
Stabilize energy
Sharpen the mind
Even out moods
Increase concentration
Lead to better academic performance
Improve performance in sports/activities
Decrease risk of illnesses
obesity
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
type 2 diabetes
bone and joint problems
breathing problems
sleeping problems
depression
greater risk for heart disease, heart failure and stroke

7. What is a Dietitian? Dietitians: are experts in food and nutrition
advise people on what to eat to lead a healthy lifestyle or to achieve a health-related goal
work in a variety of settings from clinical to community and public policy to media communications
Must have a college degree!

8. What is a Nutritionist?
A nutritionist is a person who studies foods and nutrients and can give advice to people regarding healthy ways to lose, gain and maintain body weight.
 “All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians."

9. What are the 6 major nutrient groups?
What do you know?
What are the 6 major nutrient groups?
Carbohydrates
Fats
Proteins
Vitamins
Minerals
Water

10. Two Categories of Nutrients
Nutrients that build tissue and provide energy:
Carbohydrates
Fats
Proteins
Nutrients that help your body run smoothly:
Vitamins
Minerals
Water

11. Carbohydrate Importance Two Types of Carbohydrates
Most important source of energy for the body
Your digestive system changes carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar). Your body uses this sugar for energy for your cells, tissues and organs.
Extra sugar is stored in your liver and muscles for when it is needed.
Two Types of Carbohydrates
Complex Carbs (most of calories in diet should come from these)
Simple Carbs

12. Complex Carbohydrates
Starches
Provide lasting energy
Sources:  include whole grain breads and cereals, starchy vegetables and legumes
Fiber
Makes you feel full faster and helps digestion
Helps prevent constipation and reduces risk of colon cancer
Reduces cholesterol levels and risk of heart attack
Sources: whole grains, beans, nuts, fruits and vegetables

13. Simple Carbohydrates
Refined sugars that have very little nutritional value
Digested quickly and provide quick energy that does not last
Should be limited to small quantities
Provide calories, but few vitamins and minerals
Sources: table sugar, products with white flour, honey, milk, yogurt, candy, chocolate, fruit, fruit juice, cake, jam, biscuits, molasses, soda and packaged cereals

14. Fat Importance Types of Fats
Major source of energy and aids your body in absorbing vitamins
Important for proper growth, development and keeping you healthy
Provides taste to foods and helps you feel full
Also plays a major role in your cholesterol levels
Types of Fats
Unsaturated
Saturated
Trans fat

15. Types of Fat Saturated Fat BAD Fat! Raise cholesterol Unsaturated Fat
Sources: beef, beef fat, veal, lamb, pork, lard, poultry fat, butter, cream, milk, cheeses and other dairy products made from whole and 2 percent milk
Unsaturated Fat
GOOD Fat!
Help lower blood cholesterol
Sources: fish, nuts, seeds and oils from plants, avocados, olives, walnuts and liquid vegetable oils such as soybean, corn, safflower, canola, olive and sunflower
Trans Fat
VERY BAD Fat!
Raise cholesterol and increase risk of heart disease
Sources:  vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods

16. Protein Importance Food Sources
Builds, repairs and maintains bones, muscles and skin
Food Sources
Meat, dairy products, nuts and certain grains and beans
You need to eat protein every day, because your body doesn't store it the way it stores fats or carbohydrates.

17. Knowledge Check
What are “good” carbohydrates and what foods can you find them in?
Starches and fiber
What is the role of “fats” in your diet?
Major source of energy and aids your body in absorbing vitamins
What does protein do for your body?
Builds, repairs and maintains bones, muscles and skin

18. Vitamins
Importance
Substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally and that fight infection
The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods
In some cases, you may need to take a daily multivitamin for optimal health. However, high doses of some vitamins can make you sick.

19. Minerals Importance Regulate body processes: - building bones
- making hormones
- regulating heartbeat
The best way to get the minerals your body needs is by eating a wide variety of foods.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a mineral supplement.

20. Important Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamin A – healthy skin and normal vision
Vitamin C – healthy teeth, gums, bones; helps heal wounds and fight infection
Calcium – builds strong bones and teeth
Iron – helps transport oxygen through the bloodstream
Sodium - helps keep proper body fluid balance; helps the body transmit electrical signals through nerves

21. Water Importance Helps digest and absorb food
Regulates body temperature and blood circulation
Carries nutrients and oxygen to other cells
Flushes toxins out of vital organs
Provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues
Lubricates joints

22. Let’s Review Fats Protein Carbs Vitamins Water Fats Minerals Carbs
Complex
Starches
Fiber
Simple
6 Main Nutrients
Grains
Meat/Protein
Vegetables
Fruits
Milk/Dairy
5 Main Food Groups
Protein
Carbs
Vitamins
Water
Fats
Minerals
Fats
Unsaturated
Saturated
Trans
Certain foods in a food group have a particularly high source of specific nutrients. For example, many of your grains are a high source of carbohydrates, and fruits are a high source of vitamins. Notice how the food group boxes are color coordinated with the nutrients to indicate this correlation.