Nutrients include vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrate, fats, and water. These nutrients should come from a variety of foods. Foods are also your best source of fiber. Any food that supplies calories and nutrients can be part of a nutritious diet. It is the overall content of the diet that counts.
Many foods are good sources of nutrients.
For example, Dairy foods are an excellent source of calcium, but a poor source of iron. Muscle meats are an excellent source of iron, but a poor source of calcium. No single food can supply all the nutrients needed for a healthy diet, you must eat a variety of foods. One way to be sure you get all the nutrients you need for a healthy diet is to choose foods following the Food Guide Pyramid food groups. The Food Guide Pyramid is a guide to daily food choices that puts the Dietary Guidelines into action.