Nutrition means to nourish and involves what people eat and how it enriches their lives physically, socially, and personally.

Nutrients have three general functions in the body:

1. Provide Energy

2. Build and repair body tissues and structures

3. Regulate the metabolic process that maintain homeostasis and support life

You literally ARE what you EAT.

Energy Sources

Carbohydrates: Dietary carbohydrates are starches and sugars. They are primary source of fuel for heat and energy. The majority of these carbohydrates should be coming from complex carbohydrates which is starch and less from simple carbohydrates which is sugar.

Fats: Dietary fats from animal and plant sources provide an alternate or storage form of energy. Fat is more concentrated than carbohydrates. Fats contain the essential fatty acid required for life and health.

Protein: The primary function of protein is tissue building. Although, it can be used for energy when needed. The body will turn to dietary or tissue protein when there isn’t a sufficient amount of energy supply from carbohydrates and fats.

Tissue Building and Repair

Protein: Body tissue is constantly being broken down and rebuilt to ensure growth and maintenance of body structure. Proteins also form vital substances such as enzymes and hormones that regulate body systems.

Minerals: Minerals help build tissues with very specific functions.

Vitamins: Vitamins are complex molecules needed in very minute amounts but are essential in certain tissues.