Nutrition, Food Groups, Vitamins, and Minerals

Vocabulary flashcards covering key food groups, essential vitamins, and essential minerals along with their main functions in the human body.

Vegetables

A food group that gives fiber for digestion and gut health, provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and helps the body get nutrients without relying on supplements.

Fruit

A food group that provides carbohydrates for fuel, fiber for digestion, vitamins and plant compounds for the immune system and cells, and natural water.

Grains & starches

A major source of energy that provides B vitamins and minerals to help use energy, as well as fiber in whole grains to aid digestion.

Protein

A nutrient group that helps build and repair muscles and other tissues, makes enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, and supports growth and development.

Healthy fats

A food group that provides concentrated energy and essential fatty acids, helps absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, and supports the brain and nervous system.

Dairy & fortified alternatives

A food group that provides calcium for bones/teeth, protein for tissue repair, fortified Vitamin D for calcium absorption, and Vitamin B12 for nerves and red blood cells.

Water

An essential substance that keeps the body hydrated, regulates temperature, transports nutrients, removes waste, supports joints and tissues, and aids concentration and physical performance.

Vitamin A

A vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and skin and cell growth.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

A vitamin that helps turn food into energy and supports nerves.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

A vitamin required for energy metabolism and normal cell function.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

A vitamin that helps release energy from food and supports skin and nerves.

Vitamin B5

A vitamin that helps make energy and certain hormones.

Vitamin B6

A vitamin involved in protein metabolism, brain development, and immune function.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

A vitamin that helps metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Vitamin B9 (Folate)

A vitamin essential for DNA production and making new cells.

Vitamin B12

A vitamin required for red blood cells and nervous-system function.

Vitamin C

A vitamin needed for collagen production, wound healing, and iron absorption.

Vitamin D

A vitamin that helps absorb calcium and supports bones and muscles.

Vitamin E

An antioxidant vitamin that helps protect cells.

Vitamin K

A vitamin required for blood clotting and bone-related functions.

Calcium

A mineral needed for bones, teeth, muscles, and nerves.

Iron

A mineral that carries oxygen in your blood.

Magnesium

A mineral essential for muscles, nerves, and many chemical reactions.

Potassium

A mineral involved in muscles, nerves, and fluid balance.

Zinc

A mineral that supports immune function, growth, and wound healing.

Iodine

A mineral needed to make thyroid hormones.

Selenium

A mineral that supports thyroid function and protects cells.

Phosphorus

A mineral required for bones, teeth, and energy metabolism.