Your body is capable of doing all sorts of things by itself, but just like a car needs fuel, your body needs food for energy. Different foods have different nutrients. See why each nutrient is important.
The primary function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and nervous system.1 Most people should get between 45% and 65% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates (like Bunny Bread) and natural sugars (from fresh fruits, like apples).1,2 Click here to learn more about Complex Carbohydrates.
The B Vitamins Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and Niacin (Vitamin B3) play an important role in metabolism by helping the body produce and release energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates.3 They also help the nervous system function properly.3 Because the body doesn’t store these B vitamins, you should eat foods that contain them every day.4 Folic acid is another B vitamin that is necessary to make red blood cells in your body.3
Calcium and Vitamin D work together to build strong bones.5 Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.5 Calcium is also necessary for proper heart, muscle and nerve function.5 Adequate calcium throughout life, as part as a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Whole Grains contain all three parts and all the nutrients of the entire grain kernel (bran, germ and endosperm). All 3 parts work together to provide good nutrition.
Foods that contain Fiber are digested more slowly by the body and can make us feel full and satisfied after eating less.6 The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend eating 25g of fiber per day for women and 38g per day for men.2 Click here to learn more about Fiber.
Eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need. Visit Why Eat Bread for more information on the benefits of grain foods.
Here are some fun ways to be active. To have even more fun, ask your friends and family to join you.
On sunny days, you can go outdoors and:
On rainy or cold days you can:
1 National Institutes of Health: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002469.htm
2 USDA and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2010.asp
3 ChooseMyPlate.gov: http://choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/grains-why.html
4 National Institutes of Health: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002399.htm
5 National Institutes of Health: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Nutrition/
6 International Food Information Council: http://www.foodinsight.org/Resource/Detail.aspx?topic=Fiber_Fact_Sheet