Can nutrients vanish–disappear–from your food?
The answer is "Yes." Put on your detective cap and let's find out why.

What exactly is a nutrient? Well, you know that food is anything you eat that helps you grow, repair your own body, and gives you the energy to be active. Without food, you could not survive. Nutrients are the natural chemical substances within food that provide us with nourishment–they "fuel" the many organs (like blood, skin, lungs, heart, etc.) that make our bodies work properly. See how nutrients fuel your body.

It is very important to give your body all the nutrients it needs to be healthy, energetic, strong, and happy. One of the best ways to ensure that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs is by eating a varied and well-balanced diet, including lots of fruits and vegetables. Do you know the amount of foods from the fruits and vegetables groups you are supposed to eat every day? In America, it’s recommended that you eat 2-4 fruits and 3-5 vegetables–each day. In Europe, they say that eating 10 servings from the fruits and veggies groups is best.

How much is a serving?
• One vegetable serving = 1/2 cup cooked or raw veggies, 1 small baked potato, OR 1 cup leafy raw veggie (lettuce, spinach, etc.).
• One fruit serving = 1 medium fruit (apple, orange, banana, etc.), 1/2 grapefruit, 1/2 cup cut up fruit, OR 1/4 cup dried fruit.
• Fruits and vegetables are just part of the food pyramid—a food guide that helps people stay on track with healthy eating.

For more details, click on these:
Play the Food Pyramid Game!

Become a Kids Re-generation Detective