Humans, unlike many other animals, are omnivores . We require both vegetable matter and meat to be fully healthy (although some humans manage to survive reasonably healthily whilst consuming no animal products at all, finding their protein mainly in nuts and seeds ). To carry out its many complicated functions, the human body requires different chemicals and substances . All of the nutrition we take in can be put in one of seven categories. These are; carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, minerals, vitamins, fats and water .
Carbohydrates provide the body with energy .
Proteins allow the body to repair itself and grow.
Fibre aids the digestive system.
Minerals and vitamins are required for many reasons. Deficiencies in any vitamin or mineral can lead to illnesses . Vitamins are essential for normal growth and development.
Fats are often unnecessary, and many are bad for you. The body does not need to take in most fats, but the fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are necessary.
The body is around 70% water. If water is not consumed, the body will dehydrate . The body loses water in excretion, sweating and breathing .
It is advised that you should have a balanced diet, taking in food from each of the food groups, in proportion.