An Apple a Day

An Apple a Day

A Snack, Anyone? If you lived in prehistoric times, a snack might have meant nuts and seeds that you found in the forest. You might have picked wild berries and mushrooms. You might even have found a tasty insect to munch on. Now, you go to the cupboard, refrigerator, or even a vending machine for a snack. You can select from fruit, bread, cheese, or even soda and candy. Because there are so many choices, the study of food-nutrition-is more important than ever.

Nutrients A nutrient is any substance your body needs to live, stay healthy, and grow. All of the nutrients you need come from the foods you eat and liquids you drink. This is why it is very important to eat foods that contain the right kinds of nutrients. On the next few pages, you will find out about different kinds of nutrients, what they do for your body, and what foods you can eat to get them.

What Is a Protein? Proteins make up the building blocks of your body, helping build and repair cells. Proteins are especially important for strong muscles. Foods that contain protein include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and some grains.

What Is a Carbohydrate? Carbohydrates are the nutrients your body uses to make energy. Some carbohydrates are especially good for you because they give you energy over a long period of time. These are found in foods such as vegetables, many fruits, oatmeal, whole grains, and whole-grain bread. Other carbohydrates, called sugars, create an energy flood followed by an energy crash, which is stressful to your body. These not-so- good carbohydrates include the sweet sugars in candy and the starches in cakes, cookies, white potatoes, bagels, and many breads.

What Is a Fat? Another nutrient your body needs is fat. Fats have gotten a bad rap, but they are essential for building cells, absorbing certain vitamins, and storing extra energy. Fats occur as animal fats in meat and cheese, and vegetable fats in olive oil, nuts, and seeds. Some fats are better for you than others. Vegetable fats from nuts and seeds are better than animal fats from meat and butter. Fats called trans fats are processed fats in pre-made foods such as snacks, cheese products, fried foods, and desserts. They are often called “ hydrogenated" or “ partially hydrogenated" oils. Studies have shown that these fats are not good for the body.