A healthy human diet
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Explainer Video
Summary
A healthy human diet
In a nutshell
A healthy human diet is made up of six nutrients and one essential component that keeps humans healthy. The human diet requires balance to maintain health and prevent disease.
Nutrients in a balanced diet
Carbohydrates, lipids (fats and oils), proteins, water, vitamins and minerals are all nutrients, this means they are essential to life. Fibre is also important in keeping the body healthy.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a nutrient essential for energy. There are two types of carbohydrates discussed in the table below.
Carbohydrate Type | Sources | image |
| Starchy | Bread, rice and pasta. |  |
| Sugary | Sweets, chocolates and cake. |  |
Lipids
Lipids are also called fats. Fats are important because they provide the body with energy, they are also the building blocks of some hormones. There are two types of lipids discussed in the table below.
Lipid Type | Sources | image |
| Fats (saturated fat) | Meat, butter and cheese. |  |
| Oils (unsaturated fat) | Nuts, seeds and fish. |  |
Proteins
Proteins are an essential element of the human diet because they are used to make new cells and fix damaged ones. Some sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, milk and legumes.
Vitamins
Vitamins are vital for general health. They are referred to as micronutrients because they are needed in small amounts. Vitamins are found in most foods but fruits and vegetables are especially rich in vitamins.
Vitamin | Sources | Function |
| A | Carrots | Healthy eyes |
| C | Oranges | Good immune function |
| E | Spinach | Healthy skin |
Minerals
Minerals are also micronutrients essential for health. Different minerals have different functions.
Mineral | Sources | Function | Image |
| Iron | Red meat, fish and green leafy vegetables like broccoli. | Carries oxygen in red blood cells. |  |
| Calcium | Dairy products and green leafy vegetables. | Keeps bones and teeth strong. |  |
Water
Water comes from fluids and fluid-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and soups. The body is around water and water therefore needs replenishing due to losses via urine, sweat and tears.
Fibre
Fibre is found in a variety of foods but is indigestible and not absorbed, so technically it is not a nutrient. There are two types of fibre:
fibre TYPE | FUNCTION |
| Soluble | This kind of fibre dissolves in water and helps to draw water into food as it passes through the digestive system. This makes the final waste product (faeces) soft enough to pass. |
| Insoluble | This kind of fibre adds bulk to food and helps feelings of fullness. |
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Why do humans need to drink water?
Humans need to drink water because the body is 60% water which needs replenishing due to losses via urine, sweat & tears.
Why are fats important?
Fats are important because they provide the body with energy, they are also the building blocks of some hormones.
Why are proteins essential?
Proteins are an essential element of the human diet because they are used to make new cells and fix damaged ones.