Nutrition
--You are what you eat--		 Nutrition Logo
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[ Carbohydrates | Fats | Proteins | Vitamins | Minerals | Energy | Water | Nutritional Statistics ]

We are made up of what we eat. We live on what we eat.

Your Body is just like a Factory

Food is the fuel that keeps it running.

Your food contains:

  • Carbohydrates: They provide the power needed to run the factory.
  • Fats: They are storage bins, storing the energy derived from food.
  • Proteins: They are building blocks used to repair and expand the factory.
  • Vitamins: They are the workers, helping to release energy from fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
  • Minerals: They are the carpenters, they help build bones and teeth.

When the food is completely digested, whatever is not used to create energy or stored, is dumped as waste.

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 1) Balance the food you eat with physical activity -- maintain or improve your weight | 2) Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables, and fruits | 3) Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol | 4) Eat a variety of foods | 5) Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium | 6) Choose a diet moderate in sugars | 7) If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation

What is Nutrition?

Eating is a source of considerable pleasure and an important part of our lives. The food we eat keeps us alive, gives us energy, makes us grow, and repairs our bodies. So what is it in the food that serves the above functions?

Within the delicious food we eat, there are different types of nutrients. Nutrients are classified into five major groups: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Each group plays a special role in our bodies. Fats and carbohydrates provide us with the energy we need for our activities, but also make us gain weight and become fat if taken in excess. Proteins supply us with building blocks for growth and reparations within our bodies. Vitamins and minerals keep us healthy. It is necessary to take enough (but not an excess!) of each group of nutrition each day to keep ourselves healthy.

In this section we will talk about the different aspects of nutrition that you should know. For each major class of nutrition, we will cover how it affects us and also provides food sources.

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This page has been authored for participation in the 1997 Thinkquest Competition.
For problems, questions, or suggestions regarding The FOOD Files, send email to tq1997-11960@advanced.org or page the webmaster for quicker results.
Last updated: July 31, 1997

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