Nutrients are essential components that are important in the body’s bodily functions and processes. Each of these nutrients performs a particular work to promote good health.
Every day, the body produces skin, bone and muscle. The body produces red blood cells that carry oxygen and important nutrients throughout the body, it sends out nerve signals and formulates chemical messengers to and from the brain. All these bodily processes require raw materials, which in turn, turns into energy.
Do you wonder where your body gets all the energy from? Food is the primary source of the body’s energy. Energy comes from the food people consume, the water they drink and the air they breathe. Aside from that, the body needs essential vitamins and minerals to function properly.
Essential nutrients are the ones that the body cannot synthesize on its own or not to an ample amount. These are provided by the diet.
What Are The Six Essential Nutrients?
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the main energy source for the brain. They fuel the body, particularly the central nervous system, which controls all bodily functions. Aside from that, with ample amounts of carbohydrates, the body is protected against the disease. Ideally, the total daily calories should be made of 45 to 65 percent of carbohydrates.
The most common sources include beans, milk, bread, starchy vegetables and sugars. The healthiest sources are whole grains, fruits and vegetables that are minimally processed.
Fats
Fats often get a bad reputation, but recent studies have shown that healthy fats are as important as the other essential nutrients in the body. Fat supports many body processes such as blood clotting, building cells, absorption of vitamins and minerals, and the movement of the muscles.
Moreover, fats provide energy and aid in the formation of cell membranes. Also, they serve as vehicles for fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K. Though fats are high in calorie, these are important energy sources in the body. In fact, the daily calories should have 20 to 35 percent of fat.
The common sources of fats include omega-3-rich foods, walnuts, fish and vegetable-based oils.
Proteins
Proteins are important elements needed in the body for good health. They provide the building blocks of the body. Each cell in the body contains protein, and it’s important for health, growth and body maintenance.
The body breaks down proteins and converts them into amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. These help in the repair and production of new cells. The most common dietary sources include cheese, eggs, milk, vegetables, poultry and seeds.
Vitamins
Vitamins can be acquired from dietary sources. These vitamins are important for healthy functioning. There are a total of 13 vitamins identified that are helpful in promoting overall health. The most important, however, are vitamins C, A, D, E and B complex.
Vitamins are crucial for warding off disease and not getting enough of them can cause a wide array of diseases and health problems. However, not all vitamins can be acquired from the diet. That’s why vitamins are also in the form of supplements. Eating fruits and vegetables promote the consumption of adequate amounts of vitamins needed by the body.
Minerals
Just like vitamins, minerals help support the body. They aid in the functions of the body including metabolism, staying properly hydrated and building strong teeth and bones. The most popular and common minerals are iron, zinc, and calcium.
Calcium and magnesium are important for building a healthy body structure and iron are essential for the transport of oxygen in the body.
Water
Yes, you’ve heard it right. Water is important in the body. It’s considered a vital nutrient the body can’t survive without. The doctors recommend drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, to promote optimum health.
Nutrients are important for each activity the body does. Hence, it is important to take note of your daily food intake, making sure you consume all the needed nutrients.
