You searched for: “essential nutrients”
Essential Nutrients (pl) (noun) (plural used as a singular)
  • Proteins are the main structural component of tissue and organs and they are essential for the growth and repair of cells in the body.
  • Carbohydrates are food groups that contain sugars and starches and they are the main energy sources required for metabolism or the chemical processes that take place within cells and they should make up at least half of people's diets.

    Unrefined or unprocessed carbohydrates found in cereals and fruit are usually richer in fibers than refined carbohydrates; such as, sugar and white flour.

  • Fats provide energy for metabolism and are a structural component of cells.

    Saturated fats are found mostly in meat and dairy products and increase the amounts of unwanted types of cholesterol in the blood.

  • Fibers are the indigestible structural material in plants and they are an essential part of a healthy diet.
  • Water constitutes a high proportion of many foods and it is essential to maintain the chemical processes within cells and normal bowel functions.
  • Vitamins ensure the healthy functioning of the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, and bones.
  • Minerals consist of calcium zinc, and magnesium all of which are needed in small amounts to control cell metabolism and table salt is needed to maintain fluid balance.
—Compiled from excerpts located in
The American Medical Association Home Medical Encyclopedia;
"Nutritional disorders"; Volume Two; Random House; New York; 1989; page 736.
This entry is located in the following unit: nutri-, nutrit- (page 1)