Does the saying “you are what you eat” means that you are a slice of cake if you eat it? No, but it is saying that food such as cake help to build your body. To stay healthy, we growing Teenagers need to consume foods with the required Nutrients, that our bodies demand for healthy growth to take place. Nutrients are grouped into six classes, they are: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, vitamins and minerals. We always should try to consume nutrients at there recommended portions each day.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are our bodies’ main source of energy. A carbohydrate is a chemical composed of simple sugars. Two types of carbohydrates that exist that our bodies utilize are: Simple and Complex. Simple carbohydrates are sugars such as Glucose, which are easily digested and gives our body quick energy. Your body prefers to use glucose as the main source of fuel for daily activity. Your muscles need glucose to move and your organs need glucose to function, including your brain. Complex carbohydrates on the other hand, are made up of many sugar molecules linked together, such as Fiber Foods- Brown Rice and Whole Wheat Bread.

Proteins

Proteins are nutrients used to build and repair our bodies. They are found in body fluids, muscles, bones and the skin. Our bodies make the necessary protein it needs, but it must have the necessary building blocks called Amino Acids. Our digestive systems break down protein into individual amino acids that are then used to make proteins. Foods such as poultry, fish, milk and eggs, provide all of the amino acids our bodies need. Food that contain all of these essential amino acids are called Complete Proteins. Incomplete Proteins contain only some of the essential amino acids. We consume Incomplete Proteins from most plant foods we consume. Eating a variety of plant foods will provide all of the amino acids our bodies need.

Fats

Another class of nutrient that is important to a healthy meal is Fat. Fats are energy-storage nutrients that are needed by our bodies to: store and transport vitamins, produce hormones, keep healthy skin and provide insulation. Fats provide more energy to us than proteins and carbohydrates. Fats are classified as: Saturated or Unsaturated. Saturated Fats raise our blood cholesterol levels and are found in: meat, dairy products, coconut oil and palm oil. Although cholesterol is a fat-like substance found naturally in the body, high levels will increase the risk of heart disease. So be careful of the amount you consume per day. Unsaturated fats are found in foods that are high in Fiber. They help to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Our bodies do not make unsaturated fats. We have to consume them from foods such as: fish and vegetable oils.

Water

Water can be found in every cell of our bodies. Water allows our bodies to transport substances, regulate body temperature and provide lubrication. Water is absorbed in the body through liquids we drink and foods we eat. Fresh fruits, vegetables, juices, soups and milk are good sources of water for our bodies. Always remember that it is recommended that we each drink eight glasses of water per day. However, if you exercise you need to consume more per day.

Minerals

Six minerals in large amounts is demanded by our bodies each day, they are: calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. There are at least twelve minerals that are required in very small amounts. These include: fluorine, iodine, iron and zinc. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Magnesium and sodium help the body use proteins. Potassium is needed to regulate your heartbeat and produce muscle movement and iron is necessary for red blood cell production.

Vitamins

Vitamins are another class of nutrients which are compounds that control many body functions. Only vitamin D is made by the body, so we must consume to receive all the other vitamins.