A healthy and well balanced diet means
eating a variety of foods that contain all the different nutrients and
the correct amounts.
WHY DO WE NEED NUTRIENTS?
We need nutrients for the growth,
maintenance and repair and healthy functioning of our bodies.
THE
NUTRIENTS
1) CARBOHYDRATES
2) PROTEINS
3) VITAMINS4) MINERALS
5) FATS
6) WATER
CARBOHYDRATES
There are 2 types of carbohydrates:-
a) Complex (starch combined with dietary fibre):-
Complex carbohydrates provide our bodies with a slow and steady release
of energy. They should make up approximately 60% of our daily diets. Carbohydrates
are found in foods such as:- cereals, grains, bread, potatoes, pasta,
rice, vegetables and fruits.
b) Simple (sugar):-
Simple carbohydrates provide our bodies with a very quick and short burst
of energy, usually making us feel very slow and lacking in energy afterwards.
Simple sugars have no nutritional value, but plenty of calories. These
sugars are found in sweetened fruit juices/fizzy drinks, sweets and chocolates,
cakes, ice-cream, most desserts and a lot of breakfast cereals (read the
product label before you buy).
PROTEINS
Proteins provide our bodies with energy,
is better used for growth and repair of our bodies. Proteins should make
up approximately 10-20% of our daily diets. We can find proteins in foods
such as:- vegetables, pulses, dairy products, fish, meats, cereals and
nuts.
|