Nutrition- Types of Nutrients

Nutrition is the study of nutrients present in food, how the nutrients are used by the body, and also explains the relationship between diet, health and diseases.

Nutrition focuses on people to make dietary choices which help to reduce the risk of disease, studies on how much nutritious too much and too little and how allergies happen to an individual.

The main role of nutrients is to provide nourishment to the body. Nutrients are classified into macronutrients and micronutrients. If the person does not take an adequate amount of nutrients then it can cause certain health conditions.

Let’s put the light on nutrients and following are the types of nutrients:-

Macronutrients:

These types of nutrients are required in large quantities. These are the macronutrients:-

1. Carbohydrates:- It includes the following list
   • Sugars:- These are simple carbs. It can be easily broken down by the body and sugar is absorbed and the starch is processed. They provide quick energy but do not help the person feeling full. They can also spike the blood sugar levels in the body which can put the person at the risk of type 2 diabetes.
   • Fibre:- It is not easily broken down by the body. Some are broken down by the body for energy and the remaining is metabolised by gut bacteria.

• Proteins:- it consists of amino acids and is naturally occurring organic compounds. There are 20 different types of amino acids, out of which some are essential, which needs to be obtained from food. The other non-essential amino acids can be made by the body and do not require the consumption of food.
• Fats:- These macronutrients are essential for:-
  1. Helps to lubricate joints.
  2. Helps in the production of hormones by the organs.
  3. Helps in the absorption of certain vitamins by the body.
  4. It reduces the inflammation
  5. It maintains brain health.

If you take more fat than the required quantity then it can lead to obesity, high levels of cholesterol, liver diseases and other health issues.

Unsaturated fat which is obtained from plants is more beneficial than the saturated fat which is obtained from the animals.

• Water:- It is an essential nutrient required by the body in large quantities because the human body is made up of water up to 60% of total body weight. We should consume 8 glasses of water per day.

Micronutrients:

These nutrients are required in small quantities which includes vitamins and minerals:-

The following are the essential minerals required by the body:

• Potassium:- It is an electrolyte. The recommended dose of potassium is 4,700 GM’s per day.
• Sodium:- It maintains nerve and functioning of the muscles.
• Calcium:-It is required for the formation of healthy bones and teeth.
• Phosphorus:-It is present in all cells of the human body and required for the proper functioning of the bones and teeth.
• Magnesium:-It helps to regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure and helps the body to produce proteins, DNA, and bone.
• Zinc:-It plays a significant role in the immune system, wound healing, and production of proteins.
• Iron:- This micronutrient is required for the formation of red blood cells, which carries oxygen to all parts of the body.
• Manganese:- This nutrient is used by the body for the production of energy and plays an important role in blood clotting and it also supports the immune system.
• Copper:- It produces connective tissues and blood vessels.
• Selenium:- It plays a significant role in the thyroid and reproductive health.

Vitamins:

Vitamins are required in small quantities by the body. It is divided into two types

• Water-soluble vitamin which includes eight types of B Vitamin and vitamin C.
• Fat-soluble vitamins:- It includes vitamin A, D, E and K.

So, if you are looking for a nutritious diet to lose or gain weight then keep in mind about how many quantities of nutrients are required by the body. This way you can lose or gain weight in a healthy way which does not put in risk of diseases