The Ultimate Guide on How Nutrients Work In Our Body

Have you ever wondered what your food's composition is like? Do they have Carbohydrates (CHOs), Lipids (Fats), Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals or just Water? Well, truth be told. They have all of these elements and these elements are called nutrients.

Nutrients are compounds found in our body that are essential to our life and health. They are the building blocks for growth and repair and provide us with energy for mental and physical activities.

There are 6 major nutrients in our body, namely,

1. Carbohydrates

2. Protein

3. Vitamins

4. Minerals

5. Water

6. Fats

Now, let's learn how each of these nutrients provides sustenance and functionality in our body.

1. Carbohydrates: Energy providers.

These are your main source of energy. Carbohydrates help fuel our kidneys, heart and brain muscles. They also help function the Central Nervous System (CNS). Fibre, a CHO, helps in digestion and regulates our blood cholesterol levels.

Carbohydrates in Food: pasta, rice, cereals, bread, potatoes, milk, fruit, sugar

2. Protein: Building Blocks

Our body's basic function of building and repairing tissues is done using Protein. Protein also aids in producing enzymes, hormones and other significant body chemicals. They serve as a vital nutrient in our bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood.

Protein in food: meat, dairy, legumes, nuts, seafood and eggs

3. Vitamins: Another set of essential nutrients are Vitamins and Minerals. This help heals our wounds and boosts our immunity. They also work on converting food to energy whilst repairing cellular damages, if any.

Vitamin in food:

Vitamin A, C, Folic Acid - Fruits and Vegetables Vitamin B and Fibre - Grains and Cereals

Vitamin A, D and E - Full-fat dairy, egg yolks (fat-soluble)

Vitamin K - Milk, Vegetable and Soya Bean Oil

4. Minerals

All foods contain some form of minerals - sodium, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, etc.

Just like Vitamins, Minerals help our body grow, develop and stay healthy as well. They make hormones and maintain a normal heartbeat. Minerals also help in building strong bones and as well as transmitting nerve impulses.

Minerals in Food:

Calcium and Magnesium - Milk and Dairy Products

Zinc: Red Meat

Iodine: Seafood and Vegetables (depending on the soil in which they are produced)

Iron: Lentils, Spinach, White Beans, Organ Meats

5. Water:

Your Body is 60% water that helps with bodily functions like absorption, digestion, circulation, transportation of nutrients, creation of saliva and maintenance of body temperature.

Water in Food:

Cucumber (96% Water)

Tomatoes (95% Water)

Spinach (93% Water)

Broccoli (90% Water)

Apple (85% Water)

6. Fats:

A major fuel source, fats are the major storage form of energy in our body. They act as cushion and protect our vital organs, whilst also insulating our body from within.

Fats in food:

Lipids (most commonly called fats): oils, butter, margarine, nuts, seeds, avocados and olives, meat and seafood

So, when you choose to switch to a healthy lifestyle, you will get to learn about how each of these nutrients works for you in a tailor-made, customized fashion. You can choose to avail our diet plans or other nutrition-based services and understand how your body's composition handles and nurtures these nutrients.