The Greeks theorized there was one ingredient found in all food responsible for giving the body all the nutrients it needed to function properly, according to Purdue University. This one-nutrient theory held for many centuries, despite the fact that people had been using food to cure illnesses since the dawn of time. After decades of scientific research, we now know that humans need to eat a variety of food to gain the carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function.
Carbohydrates
The digestive system uses carbohydrates to create glucose. Your body uses glucose as fuel, giving you the energy to move your body. Fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, milk, milk products and food with added sugars contain carbohydrates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that you should get 45 percent to 65 percent of your calories from carbohydrates.
Proteins
Proteins are important to muscle function. Most Americans get twice the protein they need, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A healthy person should get 10 percent to 35 percent of his calories from protein. Meat, dairy and nuts are excellent sources of protein. Some fruits and vegetables provide small amounts of protein.
Fat
A healthy body needs a small amount of fat in the diet. Diets including excessive amounts of fat, including saturated fat and trans fat. They increase blood cholesterol levels and the associated risk for heart disease. A person should get 20 person to 35 percent of her daily caloric intake from fat.
Vitamins and Mineral Information
Most people get all the vitamins from the food they eat, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Your body needs 13 vitamins to function properly. They are vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins, which are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate. Your body can make vitamins D and K.
Vitamin and Mineral Values
There are varying requirements for vitamins and minerals. The daily value, or %DV, for iron is 18 mg. The %DV for vitamin C depends on age, ranging from 40 mg at birth to 120 mg for breastfeeding women. Generally speaking, adult men should aim at getting 90 mg of vitamin C each day, and adult women should consume 75 mg daily. Your daily value of vitamin D intake depends on your age, increasing from 400 IU at birth to 800 IU after the age of 70. The daily value for calcium varies with age. Those aged 9 through 18 should get 1,300 mg of calcium each day. Adults over the age of 18 can reduce calcium to 1,000 mg daily, with women over 50 and men over 70 taking in 1,200 mg a day.
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