---
id:"kb-2026-00376"
title:"Nutrition Fundamentals"
schema_type:"TechArticle"
category:"health"
language:"en"
confidence:"high"
last_verified:"2026-05-22"
generation_method:"ai_assisted"
ai_models:["claude-opus"]
derived_from_human_seed:true
primary_sources:
  - title:"Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025"
    type:"standard"
    year:2020
    url:"https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/"
    institution:"USDA/HHS"
secondary_sources:
  - title: "MDN Web Docs — HTTP"
    type: "documentation"
    year: 2026
    url: "https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP"
    institution: "Mozilla"
completeness: 0.88
ai_citations:
  last_citation_check:"2026-05-22"
---

## TL;DR

Nutrition provides the energy and nutrients necessary for health. Macronutrients: carbohydrates (4 cal/g, energy), proteins (4 cal/g, repair/build), fats (9 cal/g, hormone production, cell membranes). Micronutrients: vitamins and minerals needed in small amounts. Water: essential for all bodily functions. Balance, variety, moderation are key principles.

## Core Explanation

Carbohydrates: simple (sugar, quick energy) vs. complex (whole grains, sustained). Proteins: complete (animal, contains all essential amino acids) vs. incomplete (most plants). Fats: unsaturated (olive oil, nuts — heart-healthy), saturated (limit), trans (avoid — artificial, banned US 2021). Fiber: 25-30g/day for digestion and heart health. MyPlate: half vegetables/fruits, quarter protein, quarter grains.

## Further Reading

- [Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025](https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/)