What are Nutrients? – Types and Functions of Nutrients

What are Nutrients?

• Nutrients are essential chemical substances found in food that our bodies need to function properly, grow, develop, and reproduce.

• They are like the tiny building blocks that keep our machinery running smoothly. They are crucial for every single process in our bodies, from generating energy to repairing tissues and fighting infections.

• While not all nutrients are energy sources, they play essential roles in various forms. Nutrients fall into two categories:

1. Macronutrients: Needed in substantial quantities by the body.
2. Micronutrients: Required by the body in smaller amounts.

Types of Nutrients

Macronutrients

These guys are all about energy. Think of them as the petrol in your car. They come in three flavours:

• Carbs: Bread, rice, potatoes, and sweets – these give you quick bursts of energy.

• Fats: Butter, oil, nuts, and seeds – they keep you feeling full and provide long-lasting energy.

• Proteins: Meat, eggs, lentils, and beans – they build and repair your muscles and tissues.

Micronutrients

These little heroes might be small, but they’re mighty important! They help your body run smoothly and stay healthy in many ways:

• Minerals: Calcium for strong bones, iron for carrying oxygen, and many more.

• Vitamins: A for good vision, C for fighting infections, and others with different jobs.

Both Macro and Micronutrients are crucial for staying fit and feeling fantastic! Ensure you include various foods in your diet to get all the goodies your body needs.

Also Read: 9 Key Differences between Micronutrients and Macronutrients

Important Nutrients in Food

Our bodies are amazing machines; to keep them running smoothly, we need a team of tiny helpers called nutrients. Some of them, like these superstars, can’t be made by our bodies and need to be recruited from food:

Carbohydrates: Energy Champs

• Think of carbs as your body’s quick-start fuel. Bread, rice, and fruits give you that instant energy boost.
• But there are three types of carbs: sugar, starch, and fibre. Stick to complex carbs like whole grains and vegetables for sustained energy and good health.

Calcium: Bone Builder

• This mighty mineral is the secret weapon for strong bones and teeth. It also helps your muscles, nerves, and heart function properly.

• Your best calcium buddies are your milk, yoghurt, tofu, leafy greens, and canned fish. Don’t forget them, or osteoporosis might come knocking!

Iron: Oxygen Transporter

• Imagine iron as tiny red taxis, carrying oxygen from your lungs to every corner of your body. Without enough iron, you might feel tired and breathless.

• Spinach, lentils, and other leafy greens are iron-rich powerhouses. Load up on these to keep your internal taxis running smoothly!

Protein: Muscle Makers

• Think of protein as the building blocks of your body. It repairs and builds your muscles, skin, and even hair.

• Meat, eggs, nuts, and lentils are excellent protein sources. Ensure you include them in your diet for a strong and healthy body.

Sodium: Balance Keeper

• This tiny mineral might be small, but it’s a big deal for regulating your blood pressure and keeping your body fluids in balance.

• Milk, vegetables, and even a pinch of salt can help you hit your sodium target. But remember, too much can lead to high blood pressure, so be mindful!

Remember, all these nutrients work together to keep your body healthy and happy. So, eat a balanced diet with various colours and flavours, and give your body the super squad it needs to thrive!

Functions of Nutrients

• Fuel Your Engine: Nutrients are the body’s energy source, like petrol for a car! They keep you moving, thinking, and feeling lively throughout the day.

• Body Builders: Just like bricks build a house, nutrients build and repair your tissues, from muscles to skin to bones. They’re the tiny workers keeping you strong!

• Vitamin Boosters: Some nutrients act like helpful friends, escorting fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K) around your body to do their important jobs.

• Collagen Champs: Ever heard of collagen? It’s like the glue holding your body together; some nutrients help make it, keeping your skin supple and bones strong.

• Shape Shifters: Imagine your blood vessels, bones, and ligaments as sturdy bridges and buildings. Nutrients provide the essential materials to build and maintain these structures, keeping your body in shape.

• Balance Keepers: Nutrients are like tiny ninjas maintaining your body’s internal harmony. They help regulate everything from blood sugar to temperature, keeping you feeling your best from the inside out.

These are just some of the amazing things nutrients do for you! Remember, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is the best way to give your body all the nutrients it needs to thrive.

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