Minerals

Definition: Minerals are inorganic elements found in nature, in solid form. Minerals are the building blocks for bones, teeth, muscles and other structures. Minerals play a role in muscle contraction, maintaining body water supplies, blood clotting, normal heart...

Vitamins

Definition: Vitamins are organic substances that are found in small amounts in most foods. They are essential, meaning we must get them through food or supplementation, so that various physiological processes continue to function optimally. They contribute to good...

Dietary Fat

Fats, also known as lipids, are the most concentrated source of energy in the body. Fat has 9 calories per gram compared to the 4 calories per gram that carbohydrate and protein yield. Human beings need dietary fat to carry vitamins A, D, E, and K, the fat-soluble...

Protein

Protein definition: Any one of a group of complex organic compounds containing nitrogen formed from various combinations of amino acids. Protein is necessary for the development of bodily tissues. It is the major source of building material for internal organs, blood,...

What Are Carbohydrates

Definition: A group of compounds containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.  Glucose, glycogen, sugar, starches, fiber, cellulose, and various saccharides, are all carbohydrates.      Carbohydrates are the body’s most readily available source of energy. Every gram of...

The Importance of Water

     Water is the most important nutrient because it is involved in nearly every function of the human body. Water transports nutrients throughout the body, helps maintain normal body temperature and carries waste material out of the body, just to name a few. Common...