What is...?

Calorie: this is a unit representing the energy released by food or which is consumed (used) by a person when doing physical activity.

Nutrients: these are substances that represent the "building blocks" of food, and which we use after digesting the food we eat.

Slow sugars or carbohydrates: these are the best form of energy, because it is released little by little. This energy can last an entire afternoon (or morning), and is used up when you run, play, think...; when you make an effort to do things.

Fats or lipids: these are the nutrients that store most energy. Our body uses them to construct certain important molecules (hormones, cholesterol...), and is reluctant to lose them. Fats that are not used during exercise are stored as fatty tissue.

Proteins: these are the elements we need for growth and repair. They help form our muscles, skin, hair, internal defenses and many other body structures.

Calcium: this element is very important for the bones and teeth. It also plays a very important role in muscle contraction and heart beat.

Iron this element is needed to transport oxygen to all the cells. It is responsible for the red color of healthy blood.

Group B vitamins: necessary for growth and skin. These vitamins make it possible to fully use carbohydrates and proteins.

Fiber: this is carbohydrate that is not digested, and which displaces the food remains down the intestine.