A ______ is a substance the body needs in order to grow and function properly.
Options:
Metabolism
Diet
Nutriet
Calorie
Nutrient
A nutrient is a substance the body needs in order to grow and function properly. Nutrients are obtained through the diet and are essential for various bodily functions, including metabolism.
The correct answer is "Nutrient."
To arrive at this answer, we can break down the options and analyze their meanings:
1. Metabolism: Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. While metabolism is important for overall body function, it is not specifically a substance that the body needs in order to grow and function properly.
2. Diet: A diet refers to the food and beverages that a person regularly consumes. While a healthy and balanced diet is necessary for proper growth and function, "diet" itself is not a substance that the body needs.
3. Nutrient: A nutrient is a substance that the body needs for growth, maintenance, and repair. Nutrients include vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These substances are essential for bodily functions such as energy production, immune system support, and tissue repair.
4. Calorie: A calorie is a unit of energy. It measures the amount of energy obtained from food and used by the body for various functions. While calories are an important aspect of nutrition, they are not considered a substance that the body needs for growth and proper functioning.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Nutrient," as it accurately represents a substance the body needs to grow and function properly.