What Are Nutrients and What Are They Good For?

Nutrients are substances that serve to maintain the capacities of the body, tissues, the production of hormones and everything related to the functioning of each of the systems, such as the digestive or nervous system. In a society where words like fitness and gluten free are becoming more popular every day, it is important to know everything about them, if you want to look better and have better health, it is essential to know what is the right amount.

We obtain the nutrients by processing food in the stomach, which is why it is not possible to talk about nutrition without talking about what we consume each day, because from there the different nutrients necessary for good health and development are obtained. If you want to know more about this topic, keep reading this post.

What is the role of nutrients?

Each nutrient has a specific function within the body, for this reason it is very important to have a balanced diet. Among the best known or outstanding are:

Building function of nutrients

They are those that build and help the development and functioning of tissues, cells and muscles. The most important within this group are proteins, for this reason they are so valuable for a healthy body, especially when doing any physical activity.

Energy function of nutrients

Another of its fundamental functions is to give fuel to the body such as carbohydrates and fats. Those of an energetic nature are vital to be able to carry out all day-to-day activities, exercise, perform complex tasks, think, study. All these activities are difficult when you do not have a good diet.

Regulatory function of nutrients

These are represented by vitamins and are responsible for the body releasing adequate amounts of hormones and enzymes, for this reason it is important to consume enough water and minerals.

What are the nutrients?

Nutrients are divided into two: Macronutrients and Micronutrients.

Macronutrients

Within this group are:

• Carbohydrates, which is the main source of quick energy for the body. They are divided into simple and complex carbohydrates, the difference of which is based on the rate of absorption.

Simple carbohydrates release glucose more easily and stimulate the production of the hormone insulin to a greater extent, which increases appetite and induces more body fat to be created. For this reason, it is convenient to obtain glucose from complexes, which are found in pasta, cereals, flour, rice, among others.

• Proteins : vitamins are nutrients that regulate an infinity of vital functions for the human body. Among its main functions, it is responsible for transporting substances through the bloodstream, in addition to particularly in the formation of new enzymes, proteins and cells. Its structural function is one of the most important for muscles and organs in general.

• Fats : although there is a bad belief that fats are bad and should be avoided at all, the truth is that they are essential for the proper functioning of the body, since they are carriers of fat-soluble vitamins and favor the system in a healthy way nervous, immune and hormonal. Fats are considered a slow-acting fuel.

Micronutrients

In micronutrients are vitamins and minerals.

• Vitamins perform many functions within the human body, especially by participating in many chemical reactions, serving as a catalyst. Among the most important are vitamin E, A, C, D, K, and the B complex.
• Finally, minerals also act as catalysts, being of importance in the transmission of nerve impulses and in the regulation of muscle contractions. They also participate in digestion and metabolism. The most important are copper, magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, etc.

These micronutrients are necessary for the immune system, cell healing and regeneration, and for the formation of new red blood cells.

Relationship between food and nutrients

Most of these are found in food, and they are vital for the proper functioning of the body, fruits, vegetables, vegetables and others are a very valuable source of this supplement. For this reason, they are classified according to the nutrients they possess and are grouped in different ways so that by combining them, we make better use of them in our daily diet.

Nutrients in energy foods

Legumes, cereals and potatoes are part of this group, they contain carbohydrates, necessary to move the body and provide energy. This group also contains fatty foods, oils.

They should be consumed in moderation, but they have many advantages such as being a vehicle to transport the different vitamins and minerals through the blood system. Remember to obtain these essential fatty acids by consuming nuts, which also improve blood circulation.

Regulatory Nutrients in Foods

The sources of fiber and rich in water such as vegetables and fruits are grouped within this classification, they provide the body with vitamins, minerals such as magnesium, and natural sugars that are beneficial to the body.

This group is important, it is full of regulatory nutrients and if we do not consume enough of them, the body cannot regulate some of its functions correctly or it can stop secreting a certain substance.

Nutrients in building foods

This group comprises several foods and being so broad it is worth describing it as follows:

• Milk and dairy derivatives: This group also includes soy milk and milk obtained from other products such as coconut or nuts. Especially important during growth, but necessary for life. Thanks to them, healthy tissues are maintained, calcium in bones, muscles and even the health of the skin and face.

• Fish, eggs, meat: An indispensable source of proteins and different types of fats, but also minerals and vitamins for which, despite being foods related to construction nutrients, they have other properties, being ideal during diets.
• Cereals, nuts: Although we already mentioned them, it is worth noting that in a good combination you can extract nutrients rich in proteins from them as completely as you would get from meats, which is why many people abandon the consumption of meats.

What are and where to find essential nutrients?

They are certain substances found in food, they are considered important because they benefit the development and vitality of the body. For this reason there is a close relationship between food and health, once you eat a meal, whether or not it is balanced, the body begins a process of transforming these nutrients into everything the body needs to function.

There are 7 essential nutrients that the body needs to function:

• Proteins: Protein is found in meat, eggs, fish, and grains like lentils, and it’s also present in dairy like cheese, yogurt, and milk.

• Carbohydrates: slow absorption hydrates are present in cereals, bread or legumes, and fast absorption hydrates are present in juices, snacks and soft drinks.

• Fats: although it is usually seen as something unhealthy, fats are really very important, especially those that are of vegetable origin, such as those present in nuts or olive oil.

• Vitamins: vitamins are present in many foods, fruits, milk and vegetables and are a vital part of a healthy diet and, as we mentioned, they help regulate the functions of the body.

• Minerals: among the minerals one of the most prominent is calcium, which is very important in bone formation and is therefore necessary to maintain healthy and strong bones.
• Fiber: ideal for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, helps to clean arteries and keep the intestines healthy, it is present in vegetables and it is necessary to consume it, especially as one advances in age.
• Water: many times we do not see water as a food, however, it is present in fruits, and we must remember that our body is basically water and as is known we can die before dehydration than from hunger, therefore it can be considered a nutrient of utmost importance.

What is the most important nutrient?

They are all important and it is one of the questions that people often ask on sites like Yahoo Answers, so it is necessary to know that each of them has a specific function for the functioning of the body. They must be combined in the best way, however, water is basically a nutrient that can never be stopped, so it could be considered the most important.

Conclusion, the importance of nutrients

As you can see, nutrients are part of everyday life even without realizing it, they have great relevance in the functioning of our body and that is why we must take care to consume the appropriate amounts, as well as maintain a diet that allows the absorption of all of them .

It is also important to accompany a balanced diet with regular physical activity, as well as to visit the doctor regularly if you have any questions to be in perfect health.

We hope you liked our post, and we invite you to see other of our articles, so that you always stay informed.