Final answer:
AUSNUT provides a comprehensive list of nutrients for food items, but it may not always be a complete set. The importance of a balanced diet is emphasized for human survival, as all nutrient classes are essential and different food groups contribute various essential nutrients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Australian Food Composition Database, AUSNUT, aims to provide a comprehensive list of nutrients for various foods.
However, it's important to note that while a wide range of nutrients is included, it may not always be a complete set for each food item.
This can be due to several reasons such as updates in data, variations in food batches, and different methods of food preparation that can affect nutrient levels.
All classes of nutrients are essential to human survival, including both macronutrients and micronutrients. While the body can store some micronutrients, others need to be consumed regularly to maintain health.
A balanced diet is crucial because it provides the necessary nutrients needed to maintain proper bodily functions, which includes vitamins, minerals, and energy, with proteins typically having the highest energy density.
Understanding food groups and their nutrient contributions is helpful to ensure a balanced diet. For example, the five basic food groups comprise fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy, and each group supplies different essential nutrients.