Kinds of Nutrients and Their Importance

Each of the nutrients listed has certain characteristics and functions in the body. These are discussed in general terms. For a summary of individual nutrients and the foods in which they are found, see Table 5.1.

Many fad diets emphasize either the good or the bad qualities of a single nutrient. For example, a particular weight-loss diet may advise eating mostly protein foods and eliminating carbohydrates as much as possible. However, because all nutrients are essential, such diets can lead to nutritional imbalances. Thus, it is necessary to understand the function and importance of all nutrients.