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Course: Science — Second Preparatory
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Chemistry of Nutrition

Science — Second Preparatory

Chemistry of Nutrition

The main nutrients

The main nutrients

  • The body needs a balanced diet that supplies energy, supports growth, replaces damaged cells and protects against disease.
  • Food contains the following nutrients:
Comparison aspectMain ideaKeywords
Carbohydrates
  • such as glucose
  • starch and sucrose. They are the main source of quick energy. Glucose has the formula C₆H₁₂O₆
glucosestarchsucrosemain
Fatsa store of energy. They form part of cell membranes and help the absorption of some vitaminsstoreenergyformpart
Proteinsmade of units called amino acids. The body uses them to build tissues and muscles and to replace damaged parts. They are also needed to make enzymes and antibodiesmadeunitscalledamino
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