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Nutrition Basics

Learn about the fundamentals of nutrition, including macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, and balanced eating.

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  • Functions & Benefits of Carbohydrates

    Carbohydrates play an important role in supporting overall health, from being the main source of energy for our body to supporting metabolism and digestive health. Review the functions of carbohydrates and why they are an essential part of a balanced diet.

    Key Topics Covered
    • Carbohydrates roles and functions.
    • Why carbohydrates are an essential macronutrient.
       
  • Vitamin C - Functions & Sources

    Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays many important roles in the body. Learn more about the specific roles of vitamin C and common food sources in this quick graphic.

    Key Topics Covered
    • Vitamin C roles & functions in the body.
    • Common food sources of vitamin C.
  • Powerful Foods to Meet Priority Nutrient Needs

    Certain nutrients are identified as high priority because many Americans do not meet the dietary recommendations for them, leading to negative impacts to overall health. Learn which key nutrients are the highest concern, their important roles in the body, and common food sources to help meet recommendations.

    Key Topics Covered
    • Identification of high priority nutrients commonly underconsumed.
    • Importance and critical functions of high priority nutrients.
    • Examples of common foods that provide a good source of multiple priority nutrients.
       
  • Small Steps to Better Nutrition

    Eating healthy doesn't need to be complicated. Try out these practical suggestions to help better meet nutrient recommendations; consume more fruits, vegetables, and fiber; and consume less added sugar, salt, and saturated fat.

    Key Topics Covered

    Practical tips to help with eating:

    • More fruits, vegetables, & fiber.
    • Less added sugar, salt, & saturated fat.
       
  • What Are Macros?

    Review the three macronutrients - carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which are all essential in large amounts for overall health. Learn the definition and overview of macronutrients, highlights of their primary functions in the body, energy they provide, and common food sources. Use this guide to better understand how these nutrients contribute to a balanced diet and fuel your daily activities.

     

    Key Topics Covered
    • Definition.
    • Function.
    • Common food sources.
  • Plant-Based Protein: Questions on Quality

    While some individuals might choose to meet their dietary protein needs using plant-based sources, it is important to take into consideration the quality of protein to ensure these sources are providing what our bodies need. Use this resource to learn more about protein quality, including what determines it, how to maximize it in the diet, and how to evaluate and calculate it as well as examples of plant-based protein sources, their protein content, and protein quality scores.

    Key Topics Covered
    • What is protein quality and how is it determined? 
    • Tips for maximizing protein quality.
    • Plant-based protein sources & protein quality scores.
       
  • Nutrition Basics

    Learning the basics of nutrition – including key nutrients (macronutrients and micronutrients) and their functions and food sources – will build the foundation of your nutrition knowledge. To have a well-rounded diet, it is important to include all three macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fat and micronutrients, vitamins and minerals. 

    Key Topics Covered

    Overview, functions, & dietary sources of 

    • Macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, & fat)
    • Micronutrients (vitamins & minerals)
    • Water
       
  • Functions & Benefits of Dietary Fat

    Dietary fats play a vital role in supporting overall health, from providing energy to aiding in the absorption of essential vitamins. Review the functions of fat and why they are an essential part of a balanced diet.

    Key Topics Covered
    • Dietary fats roles & functions.
    • Why dietary fats are an essential macronutrient.
       
  • Vitamins & Minerals – Functions & Sources

    Vitamins and minerals are important for promoting our overall health, with many playing a role in everything from energy production to immune function. This graphic highlights which vitamins and minerals play a role in different functions in the body as well as common food sources to help you meet recommendations.

    Key Topics Covered
    • Identification of specific vitamins and minerals that play a role in various critical functions in the body.
    • Common food sources that provide the vitamins & minerals to support each function.
       
  • Different Types of Dietary Fat

    Not all dietary fats are created equal, and understanding their differences can help you make healthier choices. Review the different types of fats (unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats), their health impacts, and common food sources.

    Key Topics Covered
    • Descriptions, health impacts, and food sources of various types of dietary fats.
    • Comparison of key attributes between unsaturated, saturated, & trans fats.