What Are The Essential Nutrients For A Healthy Body?

No human, animal or any other living being can survive without food. Food is important for survival because it fulfills all the nutritional requirements of our body, helps in the growth and smooth functioning of the body, as well as helps the body to fight naturally to keep the diseases at bay. Hence, we all eat food, but do you know the nutrients present in our foods and how are they beneficial?

We commonly come across words like proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, etc. But, many people are aware of all these names, but not about how they are important for the proper functioning of our body. Therefore, as we are observing National Nutrition Week from 1st-7th September 2021, let us learn more about these nutrients.

Carbohydrate

It is considered to be the main source of power and energy generation in the body. Sugar, starch and fiber are types of carbohydrates. In these, sugar i.e. glucose is a simple carb. If you feel fatigued too often, glucose and processed starch can provide energy to the body. But consuming it in an insufficient amount increases the level of sugar in the blood, which increases the risk of diabetes.

Fiber is also a carbohydrate. It is considered essential for digestive health. Fiber may also reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and colorectal cancer.

Protein

Proteins contain amino acids, which are natural organic compounds. It contains 20 types of amino acids. Some of these are made in the body itself and some have to be consumed from external sources. Most plant-based foods do not contain complete protein, so pure vegetarians, in particular, need to eat a variety of foods throughout the day to acquire the right amount of protein.

Essential Nutrients

Fat

Fat serves to lubricate our joints, help organs make hormones, enable the body to absorb certain vitamins, reduce inflammation, and protect brain health. But excess fat can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, liver disease and other health problems. There are two types of fats, saturated and unsaturated. Unsaturated fats, such as those in olive oil, are healthier than saturated fats, which come from animals.

Water

The adult human body consists of up to 60% water. It is needed for many body processes and smooth functioning. Lack of water in the body can cause many problems and diseases such as those related to urine, difficulty in breathing, fatigue and headache, effects on the functions of the heart and various systems of the body.

Many people recommend drinking 2 liters or 8 glasses of water in a day, but it is also important to know that the body's supply of water is also from dietary sources like fruits and vegetables. The water requirement of a person's body also depends on his size and age, environmental factors, activity level, health status etc.

Antioxidants

Some nutrients also act as antioxidants in our bodies. Which helps the body remove toxins known as free radicals or reactive oxygen species.