Our body makes most of the CHOLESTEROL we need, and we also get some from the foods we eat. We need cholesterol to build cells and hormones, but too much of it in our blood can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

SODIUM is another name for salt. Salt helps to balance our body fluids, but for some people, eating too much of it can be harmful.

CARBOHYDRATES provide us with energy for our muscles and our brain. Sugar and fibre are two types of carbohydrates shown on Nutrition Facts labels.

PROTEINS are needed to build muscle, bones and teeth. VITAMIN A keeps our skin and eyesight healthy, and VITAMIN C helps us fight infection.

CALCIUM is needed for strong bones and teeth, and IRON allows our red cells to carry oxygen in our blood to various parts of our body.

(Adapted from: Fact Sheet #2 All about Nutrients from the Canadian Diabetes Association/Dietitians of Canada website.)