| A | B |
|---|
| carbohydrates | the body's main source of energy |
| simple carbohydrates | Sugars which are digested quickly for a burst of energy. Examples include sugar, honey, juices and the sugars in products like milk, fruits and vegetables |
| complex carbohydrates | Starches, includes fiber or roughage. These starches are digested more slowly. |
| proteins | amino acids that help the body build and repair muscle and other tissues |
| 9 essential amino acids | the nine forms of protein that the body must get from food. |
| lipids | Fats. The body uses these to make and support the brain and nervous system. Also functions as protection for vital organs and insulation to keep us warm |
| saturated fats | These are solid at room temperature and include butter, meat fats, margarine etc. These fats are the least healthy kind |
| unsaturated fats | These are liquid at room temperature. They include vegetable oils, nut oils and seed oils. They are the healthiest sources of fat. |
| water | the most important nutrient, in that you can survive the least amount of time without it. Prevents dehydration, lubricates the joints. |
| vitamins | chemical elements from food that help the body regulate its hormones and processes. |
| fat-soluble vitamins | K,A,D,E (need lipids to digest these) |
| water-soluble vitamins | C and the B-complex vitamins (broken down and digested with H20) |
| Vitamin D | fat-soluble vitamin that the body makes when skin is exposed to sunlight |
| minerals | elements from the earth that the body needs to carry out its functions. Iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphate are examples |
