Human beings require food to grow, reproduce, and maintain good health.
Without food, our bodies cannot stay warm, build or repair tissue, or maintain a heartbeat. Eating the right foods can help us avoid certain diseases or help us recover faster when illness occurs. These and other important functions are fueled by chemical substances in our food called nutrients. Nutrients are classified as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. An individual needs varying amounts of each essential nutrient, depending upon such factors as gender and age.