Food is a mixture of chemicals of which some are essential for normal body function. These essential chemicals are called Choose...nutrientsamino acidslipidsminerals. Carbohydrate, fat and protein are all needed in relatively large amounts in the diet and are therefore classified as Choose...macronutrientsmicronutrientsmacromineralsnone of the above. Vitamins and minerals are classified as Choose...macronutrientsmicronutrientsmacromineralsmicrominerals, as they are needed in relatively small amounts in the diet. Nutrients are composed of organic compounds that contain Choose...nitrogenhydrogencarbonoxygen and inorganic compounds that do not contain this element. Nonessential substances in plants that may possess health-protective effects are referred to as Choose...antioxidantsphytochemicalsphytatesvitamins. These "plant chemicals" have important health functions which may reduce risk for heart disease and cancer.

A Choose...CarbohydrateFatProteinMineral is a nutrient made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and is a major fuel source for the body. The term lipids refers to substances such as fats and oils, but also to fat-like substances in foods such as Choose...cholesterolphytochemicalsenzymesantioxidants and phospholipids. Proteins are organic compounds made of smaller building blocks called Choose...placebosneophobinspeptidesamino acids. Choose...VitaminsMineralsPhytochemicalsAntioxidants are organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen and possibly nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur and other elements. Choose...VitaminsMineralsPhytochemicalsAntioxidants are simple inorganic substances that have structural and regulatory roles. Macrominerals are major minerals required by the body in relatively large quantities. Microminerals (or trace minerals) are required in the diet in relatively small amounts.