Nutrition

human body · food science · health

Energy from food. When you eat, your body breaks down the food into nutrients that give you energy to run, play, and think. Different foods provide different types of energy, like carbohydrates from bread, proteins from chicken, and fats from nuts.

Building blocks. Nutrients don't just give you energy, they also help your body grow and repair itself. Proteins build muscles, calcium strengthens bones, and vitamins help your eyes see better and your immune system fight off germs.

Balance matters most. Eating the right amount of different nutrients keeps your body working perfectly. Too much or too little of something important, like vitamins or minerals, can make you feel sick or weak, which is called malnutrition.

Water is essential. Water is just as important as food for your body. It helps digest food, move nutrients where they need to go, and keep everything working smoothly from your brain to your muscles.

Science studies it. Nutritional science is the study of how food affects your body using experiments and research. Scientists figure out what amounts of each nutrient help people stay healthy and strong.