Nutrients

What is Nutrients? 

Nutrients are molecules in food that are used to survive, grow, reproduce and helps to carry out different life processes.

Nutrients are found in every living thing on Earth. They are important to the lives of people, plants, animals, and all other organisms. Nutrients help break down food to give organisms energy. They are used in every process of an organism’s body. Some of the processes are growth (building cells), repair (healing a wound), and maintaining life (breathing).

plants can synthesize, or create, their own nutrients, such as sugars. The human body can also synthesize some nutrients, such as amino acids. People and animals get most of their nutrients from food.

Essential nutrients are must be obtained from food or water. Essential nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, Water and minerals. 

What is the Type of Nutrients?

In general, there are two main kinds of micronutrients: Macronutrients and Micronutrients.

1. Macronutrients

Macronutrients are protein, fats and carbs that are required in large amounts to maintain body functions and carry out the activities of daily. Water is also a macronutrient as it required a large amount but does not provide caloric value.

Calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride ions along with phosphorus and sulfur are also macronutrients.

2. Micronutrients

Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that are required in small amounts for our body growth, development, and overall health. Nutrients needed by our body in small amounts, but the deficiency of those which can lead to the major diseases.

Types of Micronutrients

There are four main kinds of micronutrients:

  a) Water-soluble vitamins.  

Water-soluble vitamins are B vitamins and vitamin C. These vitamins all dissolve in water. Your body can’t hang on to them to use later, so you need to get more of them daily. Any water-soluble vitamins that your body doesn’t use right away are flushed out of your system as urine. They also help your body get energy. Plus, they strengthen your cells, including red blood cells. 

  b) Fat-soluble vitamins.

Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat, not water. These include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Once you receive them, they can stay in your body for later use. Your body stores them in fatty tissue and your liver. They are important for eye health and immune system support. Fat-soluble vitamins also help your body to heal injuries.

  c) Microminerals. 

These are essential nutrients include calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. They’re crucial for muscle and bone health. They also play a crucial role in controlling your blood pressure. 

  d) Trace minerals.

The other minerals we need include iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and selenium. Trace minerals are critical for muscle health, nervous system function, and repairing damage to cells. 

Functions of Nutrients

The important functions of nutrients are: 

• Nutrients are the main source of energy for the body.
• Nutrients help in building and repairing body tissues.
• Helps in the synthesis of collagen
• Increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Nutrients help in maintaining the homeostasis of the body.
• Provides proper structure to the blood vessels, bones and ligaments.