Major Nutrients in Food
Topic Overview
The major nutrients-protein, carbohydrate, and fat-provide the body with energy. This energy keeps your heart beating, your brain active, and your muscles working. The energy is measured in calories.
|
Nutrient |
Function |
Some sources |
|---|---|---|
|
Protein has 4 calories per gram |
Provides energy; builds and repairs body cells; part of various enzymes, hormones, and antibodies |
Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, milk and milk products, grains, seeds and nuts |
|
Carbohydrate has 4 calories per gram |
Provides energy needed by the brain, nervous system, and red blood cells |
Breads, cereal grains, pasta, rice, fruit, starchy vegetables, milk, sugar |
|
Fat has 9 calories per gram |
Provides energy; carries fat-soluble nutrients (vitamins); part of cell membranes, membranes around nerves, hormones, bile (for fat digestion) |
Meat and poultry, some fish, milk and milk products that are not fat-free, nuts and seeds, oils, butter, margarine, salad dressing, some candy, some desserts |
Current as of: March 29, 2018
