6 Major Classes of Nutrients

1. Carbohydrates
 Provide our body with the energy it needs
 They come mainly from rice, bread, noodles, and cereals
 They are important in maintaining the health of the digestive system
 Needed in the production of mucus
 Carbohydrates include starch, cellulose, glycogen, and sugar.

Fiber ( cellulose) – a type of carbohydrate

- an indigestible material found in plant products, such a sfruits, vegetables,
bran, whole grains, and beans
- People who eat fiber-rich food usually have easier digestion and they can
eliminate waste materials more easily

2. Proteins
 Eggs, meat, milk, fish, nuts, and legumes
 Essential part of every living cell, tissue, and organ of the body.
 Necessary components in the formation of antibodies to fight diseases
 Can also be a source of energy

Amino Acids – building blocks of proteins

- Necessary for the growth and repair of tissue cells

3. Fats (Lipids)
 Supply the body with energy
 Can provide more energy compared to carbohydrates and proteins
 They act as insulators to help regulate body temperature.
4 Vitamins
5 Minerals
 Both vitamins and minerals do not provide us with energy, but they are
necessary for various processes in the body
2 TYPES of VITAMINS
1. Water-Soluble vitamins –dissolve in water, which means these vitamins and nutrients
dissolve quickly in the body.
- water-soluble vitamins are carried to the body's tissues, but the
body cannot store them. Any excess amounts of water-soluble
vitamins simply pass through the body.

Examples:
 - Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin B6. (Pyridoxin)
- Vitamin B7 (biotin)
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
- Vitamin C ( Ascorbic Acid)

2. Fat-soluble vitamins – those that are stored in our body

- Vitamins A, D, E and K

6. Water – our body is composed of approximately 60% water