Nutrition

["Nutrition"]
Nutrition Chart

Term Definition

Carbohydrate Key human energy source. Includes simple sugars and complex carbohydrates (starches).

Cholesterol Fatlike substance found in animal foods that is essential for hormones to function properly. Our bodies also make cholesterol.

Dietary fiber Often described as the components of plant foods that are not broken down or absorbed by the human digestive tract. Fiber is technically a complex carbohydrate.

Fat Provides more than twice the amount of energy supplied bya n eual quantity of carbohydrate or protein. Also provides essential nutrients and insulates and protects body organs.

Fat Saturated Primarily found in amimal foods, this type of fat is solid at room temperature. Diets hiagh in saturated fats have been linked to higher levels of blood cholesterol.

Fat Unsaturated Found most commonly in plant foods, this type of fat is usually liquid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats may be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.

Food Guide Pyramid A nutrition educational guide from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Used to teach people about foods and the recommended number of servings required from each food group in order to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.

Minerals Elements other than carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen that are nutritionally essential in very small amounts. Minerals are inorganic elements, such as calcium and iron, found in food and water.

Nutrients Substances necessary for life. Build, repair and maintain body cells. Nutrients include protein, carbohydrate, fat, water, vitamins and minerals.

Protein Vital for life. Provides energy and strutural support of body cells. Is important for growth. Made from amino-acid building blocks.

Vitamins Substances found in small amounts in many foods; essential for controlling body processes. Vitamins, unlike minerals, are organic compounds that contain carbon. Vitamins include vitamin A, B vitamins (such as thiamin, niacin, riboflavin) and vitamin C, among others.

Term	Definition
Carbohydrate	Key human energy source. Includes simple sugars and complex carbohydrates (starches).
Cholesterol	Fatlike substance found in animal foods that is essential for hormones to function properly. Our bodies also make cholesterol.
Dietary fiber	Often described as the components of plant foods that are not broken down or absorbed by the human digestive tract. Fiber is technically a complex carbohydrate.
Fat	Provides more than twice the amount of energy supplied bya n eual quantity of carbohydrate or protein. Also provides essential nutrients and insulates and protects body organs.
Fat Saturated	Primarily found in amimal foods, this type of fat is solid at room temperature. Diets hiagh in saturated fats have been linked to higher levels of blood cholesterol.
Fat Unsaturated	Found most commonly in plant foods, this type of fat is usually liquid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats may be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.
Food Guide Pyramid	A nutrition educational guide from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Used to teach people about foods and the recommended number of servings required from each food group in order to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.
Minerals	Elements other than carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen that are nutritionally essential in very small amounts. Minerals are inorganic elements, such as calcium and iron, found in food and water.
Nutrients	Substances necessary for life. Build, repair and maintain body cells. Nutrients include protein, carbohydrate, fat, water, vitamins and minerals.
Protein	Vital for life. Provides energy and strutural support of body cells. Is important for growth. Made from amino-acid building blocks.
Vitamins	Substances found in small amounts in many foods; essential for controlling body processes. Vitamins, unlike minerals, are organic compounds that contain carbon. Vitamins include vitamin A, B vitamins (such as thiamin, niacin, riboflavin) and vitamin C, among others.