Nutrient

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A nutrient is a substance used by an organism to survive, grow, and reproduce. The requirement for dietary nutrient intake applies to animals, plants, fungi, and protists. wikipedia

Nutrients are the compounds in food that provide us with energy that facilitates repair and growth and helps to carry out different life processes. byju

Not all nutrients provide energy but are necessary for some form or the other. These nutrients are divided into two categories:

Nutrition #

Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life. It provides organisms with nutrients, which can be metabolized to create energy and chemical structures. wikipedia

Macronutrients #

which are required by the body in large amounts.

Micronutrients #

which are required by the body in small amounts.

Important Nutrients #

Carbohydrates #

It is one of the main sources of energy for human beings. It comprises of three types of carbohydrates and they include fibre, sugar, and starch. They are usually low calories and thus help in maintaining a healthy diet.

Calcium #

It is a mineral that is vital for building strong bones and teeth. In very fewer quantities it is also needed to our nerves, muscles work and heart. Sources of calcium include pudding, milk, yoghurt, tofu, canned fish, and fresh leafy green vegetables. Lack of calcium leads to a disease called Osteoporosis.

Cholesterol #

It is essential for the brain, nerves, and development of cells. It plays an important role in the forming of enzymes and hormones. Foods include cheese, milk, chicken, beef, and fish.

Fats #

It is one of the most important sources of calories. One gram of fat consists of 9 calories. It is almost twice of calories that we get from carbohydrates and proteins. Fat is usually found in foods that we use in cooking, as spreads on bread and it also found in snacks, pastries.

Iron #

It is a constituent of our red blood cells. Its function is to carry oxygen from our lungs to organs, muscles, and cells. Food sources include spinach, soybeans and other leafy vegetables.

Protein #

They are made of amino acids. We can obtain protein in foods such as nuts, lentils, beef, rice, chicken, beef etc.

Sodium #

Foods like milk and fresh vegetables contain sodium. Lack of sodium might lead to high blood pressure.