1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Nutrition

What's In Your Food

Nutrition is about the study of food and how our bodies use food as fuel for growth and daily activities. The macronutrients, or "big" nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The micronutrients, or "little" nutrients are the vitamins and minerals that we need to be healthy. Here you can find articles, tools, and resources to help you learn about these nutrients.
  1. Carbohydrates and Fiber (7)
  2. Fats and Oils (2)
  3. Food Additives (11)
  4. Fruits and Vegetables (12)
  5. Protein Sources (9)
  6. Vitamins and Minerals (15)

Fat-Soluble Vitamin Glossary

I've got a list of all the fat-soluble vitamins, along with descriptions and sources.

Water-Soluble Vitamin Glossary

I've listed the water soluble vitamins, which include B complex vitamins and vitamin C.

Major Minerals Glossary

The major minerals are the ones you need in the largest amounts. I've got them listed for you.

Trace Minerals Glossary

You only need a small amount of these trace minerals.

Common Nutrition Abbreviations Explained

I'll explain some of the common abbreviations used in nutrition.

Nutrient Density

Foods that are nutrient dense have lots of nutrition for the space they occupy.

Defining Functional Foods

Functional foods do more than fill your belly -- they're also good for your health. I'll explain the different types of functional foods.

Food Additives

Food additives are ingredients that help preserve or enhance the flavor of processed foods.

Phenolic Acids

Phenolic acids are plant chemicals that may work as antioxidants in your body.

Stilbenes

Stilbenes are plant polyphenols that may have health benefits.

Discuss in my forum

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.