Carbodydrates
Carbohydrates are your body's preferred source of fuel for your muscles, brain and nervous system. Carbohydrates come from plants, and are eventually broken down to glucose in your digestive tract, then converted to glycogen, and stored in the muscles and liver. According to sports coach Brian Mac, your body can store about 350g of glycogen. Once storage capacity has been reached, extra carbohydrates are converted to fat and stored as adipose tissue.
Fats
Fats are made up of fatty acids that help to regulate blood pressure, inflammation and blood clotting. Fats provide energy and help you absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Fats are necessary for hormone production, insulation and protection of vital organs. Fats come from both animal and plant sources. Excess dietary fat is stored as adipose tissue.
Protein
Proteins are made up of amino acids that are essential for growth, maintenance and repair of body tissue and other vital processes. There are 20 amino acids, eight of which are said to be essential because you must get them directly from food. Foods from animal sources like meat, eggs, fish and dairy contain all eight essential amino acids and are said to be complete proteins. Plants contain some amino acids, but rarely contain all eight essential amino acids.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds that come from plants, and are considered micronutrients because we only need them in small amounts. Humans get vitamins either directly from plants, or by eating animals who have eaten plants. Vitamins can be sub-categorized as fat soluble and water soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K can be stored in the body and can be toxic if ingested in excessive amounts. Water-soluble vitamins, the B vitamins and vitamin C, are flushed out of the system if not needed and must be replenished on a regular basis. Vitamins support a number of vital metabolic functions.
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic elements that come from the earth like sodium, iron, potassium, sulfur and other elements. Plants draw minerals from the earth as they grow, and humans get minerals from eating plants and animals. Like vitamins, minerals are micronutrients that support numerous metabolic processes. Calcium is the most prevalent mineral in your body, most of which is found in bones and teeth.
Water
Water is fundamental to human health, making up over 70 percent of your body's mass. Besides being part of your body tissue, water transports oxygen and nutrients to and waste products from cells. Water helps to regulate body temperature and facilitates digestion. Because water is continually being lost from your body through sweat, urine, feces and your breath, it must be continually replenished. You get water from foods, beverages and drinking water.
