Colorado Reader 04/2017 | Seite 5

High-quality protein provides all of the essential amino acids needed by the body for growth and maintenance. Your body can’t make essential amino acids, so you must get them from the foods you eat. Pork is a high- quality protein food. Nutrients in Pork Protein • • • • • Selenium Niacin • • • • • Phosphorus • • • • Thiamin • • • Vitamin B6 • • • • Riboflavin • • • • • Zinc Colorado Ag in the Classroom Provides essential amino acids. Is the building block for bone, muscles, skin and blood. Is important for growth and development. Is the key component to help the body repair cells and make new cells. Plays a role in the immune system and in making enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals. Helps protect the body cells from damage. Plays a role in regulating thyroid hormone metabolism. Is one of the B Vitamins. Helps convert food into energy. Is essential for healthy skin, blood cells, brain and nervous system. Helps maintain a healthy heart. Helps build and protect strong bones and teeth. Helps to maintain normal pH in the body. Plays a role in shuttling nutrients in and out of body cells. Is one of the B Vitamins. Helps convert food into energy. It is important for growth, development and function of body cells. Helps maintain a healthy heart. Is one of the B Vitamins. Needed for enzyme reactions involved in metabolism. Is important for brain development during pregnancy and infancy. Plays a role in immune function. Is one of the B Vitamins. Is important for the growth, development and function of body cells. Helps convert food into energy. Is important in maintaining normal vision. • Is found in all body cells. • Is critical for proper growth, development and reproduction. • Helps wounds heal. • Is needed to make proteins and DNA. • Helps immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. 5 www.growingyourfuture.com