Nutrients are the essence of a healthy lifestyle. They provide energy to our bodies, power our cells, and keep everything running smoothly. The body can not produce the nutrients on its own or produce sufficient amounts. If you want to learn more, you are at the right place.
In this guide, we will learn what are they, the types, and how they work, So, let’s go.
What Are Nutrients?
Nutrients are the organic chemical compounds found in food that are most important for the body to function, grow, and thrive properly. They are essential for the development of the brain, heart, eyes, bones, and muscles, and for supporting overall health. Without nutrients, our bodies would be like vehicles without fuel, and mobile phones without charge.
So that you can get enough nutrients from organic and natural healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.
Types Of Nutrients
There are various nutrients and each plays a different but equally important role in overall health are classified into two major categories
Macro Nutrients
Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are known as macro nutrients. Your body requires these in large amounts to provide energy and help muscle growth.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the macro nutrients that are required in large amounts for the body. When you eat them, your body breaks them down into glucose, which provides energy to your body from the brain to overall body muscles. Carbohydrates are classified into the following two categories.
Simple carbohydrates: Simple carbohydrates are digested quickly by the body. and boost energy for a short time. Sugar, candy, and sugary beverages are good sources of simple carbohydrates. These carbohydrates should be consumed in very small or limited amounts because too much increases blood sugar levels and causes diseases like heart problems and diabetes.
Complex carbohydrates: The body takes a long time to digest complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates provide sustained energy to your body and keep you full for longer. These carbs are rich in fiber, which is good for digestion and heart health. Good sources of complex carbohydrates are whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of body muscles, skin, and tissues. Proteins are vital for making enzymes, the growth and repair of tissues, skin, and muscles, and supporting the immune system. meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and beans are good sources of proteins.
Fats
Not all fats are bad and harmful. Some fats found in avocados, nuts, and fish, are vital for overall health. Healthy fats play an important role in absorbing some essential vitamins, insulating organs, and providing energy for longer. There are various types of fats and they are classified into two categories.
- Saturated fats are considered as bad fats. Because if we take saturated fats in large amounts then it can cause cholesterol and increase the risk of heart problems. Also, all saturated fats are not bad and harmful but they should be in limited and small amounts. Animal products, like butter, cheese, and red meat are good sources of saturated fats.
- Unsaturated fats are good fats and have various health benefits. They are very beneficial for heart, bones, and brain health. Fatty fish, avocados, nuts, and olive oil are good sources of unsaturated fats.
Micro Nutrients
Vitamins and minerals are known as micro nutrients. These are also very beneficial for overall body health and functions. They are required for your body in small or limited amounts. They play an important role in growth, the immune system, and repairing cells and tissues of the body.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds, essential for overall health. There are many vitamins and are classified into two types. All vitamins play an important role equally in the body’s functions, growth, repair, immune system, brain health, heart health, skin, and eye health.
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Fat-soluble vitamins are dissolved and stored in fatty tissues of the body and liver for a long time. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are the fat-soluble vitamins.
- Water-soluble Vitamins: Water-soluble vitamins are dissolved in blood, and supervenient amounts leave the body through urine. Vitamin B-complex and C are the water-soluble vitamins.
Minerals
Minerals are the inorganic compounds found in foods. There are many minerals but some are essential for your body and are classified into two categories. They are essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones, teeth, and overall health.
- Major minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are required in large amounts for the body.
- Trace minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium are required in small amounts for the body.
Water
Commonly water is ignored as a nutrient, but it is also an essential nutrient. Because it plays an important role in almost every function of the body like metabolism, blood flow, and regulating the body temperature. It is very important for absorbing essential nutrients.
Conclusion
In conclusion of this article, by understanding, what are nutrients, the different types, and how they work, you can take charge of your health by finding the practical way of getting all essential nutrients daily through making a balanced diet plan.
All nutrients from macro nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to micro nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, also water play important roles equally in the overall body health. A body can not provide the essential nutrients or produce small amounts.
That is why it is important to make a balanced diet plan by adding healthy foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and meat to get all the nutrients. If you still need clarification at any point, go above and clear your concepts.
