The Six Essential Nutrients In order to function properly, a body needs six essential nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, nutrients, vitamins, and water The VITAL NUTRIENTS Six kinds of nutrients can be found in foods: carbohydrates, fats,proteins,mineral, vitamins, and water. These substances are essential to chemical reactions in the body when you eat foods from the five main food groups. Carbohydrates: perhaps your favorite food is pasta, fresh-baked bread, or corn on the cob. If so, your favorite food contains carbohydrates. Starches are complex carbohydrates found in bread, cereal, potatoes, rice, corn, beans, and pasta