Square 1: The Basics on Nutrition...

What does “nutrition” mean?

What is a nutrient?
How Many Types of Nutrients Are There?

What does “Nutrition” mean?

Nutrition is the science that studies the diverse chemical compounds contained in foods which are good for our health and also helps us to select more nutritious foods in order to eat properly, and to avoid nutrition- related health problems such as being overweight and obesity.

What is a Nutrient?

Nutrients are diverse chemical compounds contained in foods which have various important functions within our bodies (fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are needed for energy). Besides providing energy, proteins are needed to build muscles. Vitamins and minerals are needed to regulate growth and help fight disease.

The balance between the quantity and quality of the various nutrients will help us to eat properly and be healthier.

How Many Types of Nutrients Are There?

The diverse types of nutrients include the following:

Fats (also known as lipids);
Carbohydrates (some can be “simple sugars”, others are known as “complex carbohydrates” including starch and fiber, for example);
Proteins (which are made up of amino acids);
Vitamins;
Minerals.