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FOOD AND NUTRIENTS We have to eat different types of food to be healthy and to grow. The food we eat comes from animals or plants. It can be: • •
An animal product, like milk, eggs or fish. A plant product, like fruit, vegetables or pulses.
Food contains nutrients. Nutrients are the substances which our body needs to survive, grow and repair itself. Nutrients also give us energy.
NUTRIENTS CARBOHYDRATES
They give us energy for immediate use. There are two types of carbohydrate. Sugars are in food that taste sweet. Starches are in bread, potatoes and legumes.
PROTEINS
They help our body to grow and repair itself. Meat, fish and pulses are good sources of proteins.
FATS
They also give us energy but they are transformed into energy reserves. We get some fats, such as butter, from animals. We get other fats, such as olive oil, from plants. Other nutritive substances
VITAMINS
They help our body to function and to stay healthy. Fruit and vegetables are good sources of vitamines.
MINERALS
They keep bones, teeth and different systems in our body healthy. Milk gives us calcium for our bones.
WATER
Most of our body is made up of water, so it is essential. We drink water and our body also obtains water from food.
FIBRE
Fibre helps food to move through the digestive system. It is found in fruits, vegetables and whole-grains.
NUTRITION. Activity 5a.