What Are Nutrients?

What Are Nutrients?

Why do we need them?

Nutrients are important for the human body to be healthy.

They must be found and consumed- we can't make them in our bodies.

Or we can't make enough of them naturally inside our bodies.

Nutrients

• help give us energy

• help heal us

• help us grow

• help is stay healthy

Poll

There are 6 essential nutrients. What MIGHT they be?

• Minerals, Vitamins, Water, Fats, Carbohydrates, Protein

• Vitamins, Minerals, Fats, Carbohydrates, Protein, Calcium

• Minerals, Vitamins, Water, sugars, Carbohydrates, Protein

Protein

Our bodies use protein to grow and repair muscles, hair and nails.

We get protein from meats, eggs, nuts, beans and dairy products.

Vitamins

Different vitamins help us in different ways. For example, Vitamin A promotes healthy bones and eyes; Vitamin B is needed to release energy from our food; Vitamin D promotes strong bones and teeth.

We get different vitamins from different food sources: meats, dairy, vegetables, fruits, grains, and sunlight.

Minerals

Like vitamins, different minerals help us in different ways. For example, Calcium helps us build strong teeth and bones; Iron is needed to transport oxygen in the blood throughout your body.

Different foods contain different minerals so you need to eat a variety of dairy products, green vegetables, grains, fish or nuts.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates- also known as carbs- give us the energy we need to function.

Sources of carbs include grains, and the sugars found in fruits and vegetables.

Fats

Fats help us store extra energy, they help keep regulate or body temperature and they are needed to help us absorb some vitamins and minerals.

Sources of fats include butter and oils, nuts, seeds, meats, eggs, dairy products, avocados, and fish.

Water

Our bodies are made up of up to 60% water. We NEED it to survive. We can produce water naturally inside our bodies but not enough to keep us alive, so we need to drink plenty of water to be healthy.

While there is water in most drinks- there is also other things like sugars- so drinking plain water is the best source of water for your body.

Poll

Which essential nutrient(s) do you predict that you probably don't get enough of in your normal diet?

• protein

• vitamins and minerals

• fats

• carbs

• water

Before we look at the new/current Canadian Food Guide, let's play a quick game of nutrient trivia!

Multiple Choice

You should you eat fruits and vegetables because...

• They contain fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy.

• They give you energy.

• They contain vitamins and minerals that help you stay healthy.

• All of these reasons are correct.

Multiple Choice

Protein is needed to build muscles and help you digest your food. You can get protein from...

• eggs

• nuts

• cheese

• All of these answers are correct.

Multiple Choice

Vitamin A is important for good eyesight, helps your body fight infection, and keeps your skin and hair healthy. Which of the following foods have the most vitamin A?

• Green vegetables

• Yellow and Orange vegetables

• Blue & Purple vegetables

• White vegetables

• Red vegetables

Multiple Choice

Calcium is needed to keep bones strong. Which vegetable contains a lot of calcium?

Poll

When it comes to nutrients, I want to learn more about:

• Why different colour vegetables contain different vitamins

• Healthy sources of fats

• What minerals are found in different vegetables

• How nutrients help my body stay healthy

Up Next: Exploring the current Canadian Food Guide