In a nutshell

It is important to understand that animals, including humans, use plants and other animals as sources of food. This is because they cannot make their own as plants do through photosynthesis.

Type of diet

Animals can be classified based on their diet as either carnivores, omnivores or herbivores.

Category	Consumes	Examples
Carnivore	Other animals	Lions, tigers and leopards
Omnivore	Animals and plants	Humans, bears and foxes
Herbivores	Plants	Rabbits, giraffes and koalas

Definition

A nutrient is a substance that is absorbed from food and that is necessary for energy, growth and development. Fibre is not strictly a nutrient, but is important to eat alongside the other nutrients to help digest food.

Examples

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, vitamins and minerals are all nutrients.

A healthy diet

Humans need a balanced diet to be healthy. A balanced diet has seven nutrients that provide the functions listed below.

Nutrient	Function	Sources	Examples
Carbohydrates	Provides energy.	Carbohydrates	Bread, rice and pasta.
Protein	Repairs damaged cells and makes new cells.	Proteins	Meat, fish, legumes, eggs and dairy.
Fat	Provides energy and helps absorb some vitamins.	Fats	Oils and butter are fats.
Water	Helps blood flow, breaks down food and gets rid of waste.	Drinks	Juice and water.
Vitamins and minerals	Supports general health.	Fruit, vegetables and dairy	Strawberries and carrots are fruits. Milk and cheese contain dairy.
Fibre	Helps you feel full and help food move through your gut.	Fruit, vegetables and carbohydrates	Passion fruit and broccoli are fruit and vegetables that are high in fibre. Wholegrain bread and brown rice are carbohydrates.

Note: Some food groups are named after the nutrient they provide.

Food groups

There are five food groups: starchy carbohydrates; protein; fruit and vegetables; dairy and fats; and sugars. When eaten in the right amounts these food groups provide a balanced diet.

Science; Animals, including humans; KS2 Year 3; Animal nutrition and healthy eating

Science; Animals, including humans; KS2 Year 3; Animal nutrition and healthy eating