Why Do Humans Need Nutrients?

Salim is at the pool today because it's nice and hot outside. Swimming is so much fun, but it also makes him really tired and HUNGRY. That's when bread, fries, and sweets from the snack stand come in handy! But why is food from the stand even tastier after swimming? To answer that, let's ask the question, "Why Do Humans Need Nutrients?" Humans eat a lot of different foods, like bread, french fries, and juicy watermelon! But did you know that there are different "nutrients" in our food? Our bodies need nutrients for fuel, which provides energy, and for construction, which provides the building blocks that our bodies are made from. A Nutritional Facts Label can tell us the amount of each nutrient contained in what we eat, which can be found on the packaging of most foods. There are three types of macronutrients that are very common in the foods we eat. The first are called "proteins". There are many different types of proteins. Proteins are building blocks. Just like a house is built of bricks and wood, our bodies are built of proteins. We can find proteins in meat, nuts, and seeds to name a few examples. The second macronutrients are carbohydrates. There are many different kinds. Carbohydrates are the main fuel source for our bodies. They are like gas for a car or electricity for a cell phone. Fuel gives us energy to think and to move. Examples of carbohydrates are sugar or starch. We can find them in potatoes, pasta, and sweet treats! The third macronutrients are fats. Fats are also a kind of fuel. They provide extra energy for our bodies. There are many different kinds of fats. We can find fat as a liquid in olive oil or as a solid in a stick of butter. And since Salim spent so much energy swimming, the carbohydrate and fat-filled food from the snack stand is extra tempting! But did you know there are also "supplements" in our food? Hidden in small amounts, they are called vitamins and minerals. You've probably heard about healthy vitamins. Our bodies need vitamins and minerals in small amounts to keep us healthy, too! For example, they help us defend against diseases, build strong bones and teeth, and help us grow! Let's review what we need all these nutrients for: Our bodies use proteins as building blocks. Our bodies use carbohydrates and fats as fuel. Fuel provides energy for the body. Vitamins and minerals are also found in foods, but in smaller amounts, since we don't need a lot of them. Above all, these nutrients, in proper amounts, help us to stay healthy and grow. What about Salim? He's lying in the sun with a full belly, digesting all of his yummy nutrients!