All of us know about nutrients. Nowadays, we are especially trying to incorporate more nutrient-rich foods into our diet. But have you ever wondered what exactly nutrients are? Or have you ever pondered on why a health-conscious friend of yours is planning their diet to include as much nutrient-rich food as they can in it? I always believe that an action, no matter how beneficial it may be to oneself, will not help you in the long run if you fail to understand its true significance. So, if you want to better your health by making positive changes to your life and your diet, you should start by understanding the significance of essential nutrients in order to use them to your advantage.
What are essential nutrients?
Nutrients that are essentially required for maintaining the well-being of a human being but, unfortunately, cannot be produced in sufficient quantities or at all by a human body are collectively called essential nutrients. These nutrients, which are necessary for good health, growth, and disease prevention, mostly come from your food. There are numerous essential nutrients. But fortunately, they all fall into two categories: macro and micronutrients.
Macronutrients are the primary building blocks of your diet, which include protein, carbohydrates, and fat. They provide your body with energy and should be consumed in large quantities. Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are beneficial in small amounts. Generally, there are six categorized primarily into six fundamental micronutrients and macronutrients. Carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water are all included.
Carbohydrates: One of the most misunderstood essential nutrients
Don’t be deceived by the low-carb craze. Carbohydrates are definitely not your enemy. Instead, it is a healthy and essential nutrient that your body requires. Consider carbohydrates to be the fuel source of your body. They also give your brain and central nervous system energy. The carbohydrates present in our body are converted into glucose, which is utilized as a fuel for body functions and activity.
All plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, bread, and cereals, provide us with carbohydrates. Lactose, which is found in dairy products and milk, and sucrose or table sugar, found in sweets, provide us with carbohydrates.
Protein
Our body’s structural fabric is made up of protein. This essential nutrient acts as the body’s building blocks. That means protein is present in every cell of our body. One can find protein from bone to skin to hair of a human body. Our skeleton is a protein matrix hardened by the presence of calcium. They also make up our tissues and organs.
But that isn’t the end of it. Proteins also play a major role in the construction of your hormones, antibodies, and other important substances. Did you know protein accounts for a startling 16% of the average person’s body weight? All meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products contain protein. Also, we get more modest measures of protein from beans, nuts, seeds, vegetables, grains and starches.
Fat: One of the most feared essential nutrient
Fats frequently have a bad reputation. But do you know what? Healthy fats are an essential component of a healthy diet. They are an excellent energy source as they contain more than twice as many calories as carbohydrates. Moreover, this concentrated source of energy helps your body in multiple manners. Fats help your body absorb vitamins and minerals, clot blood, build cells, and move muscles.
That means although fat is high in calories, those calories are an essential energy source. Fats are of two types: saturated fats and monounsaturated fats. Saturated fats, also known as unhealthy fats, can clog our blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease. They are mainly found in dietary products like meat, whole milk, cheese, ice cream, and other animal products. At the same time, the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados can lower the risk of heart disease.
It can also help you in the maintenance of a healthy blood sugar level and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They may also lower your risk of arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease due to their potent anti-inflammatory properties. So, fats cannot be avoided or shunned away from our lives. Hence, in order to maintain a healthy weight, one should select their fats wisely. They should control the serving sizes because all fats, whether healthy or not, are concentrated sources of calories.
Vitamins: The most esteemed essential nutrients
Vitamins are essential molecules which are deemed essential for the prevention of illness and maintenance of health. The body requires these thirteen essential vitamins to function properly. Each vitamin plays a crucial role in our body. Hence, their deficiency can lead to illness and health issues. Let’s see some examples.
In the process of converting carbohydrates into energy, the B vitamins niacin and thiamin are utilized. Without these nutrients, one won’t be able to process the carbohydrates. Vitamin D aids in the growth and development of cells and aids in the digestion of calcium. Vitamin C is used to make collagen, which strengthens the immune system, helps the body heal, and gives blood vessels, bones, and ligaments structure. Moreover, they are potent antioxidants that may lower the risk of lung and prostate cancer.
Minerals
Minerals support the body similarly to vitamins. They are necessary for many body functions, including maintaining adequate hydration, controlling your metabolism, and building strong bones and teeth. Calcium, iron, and zinc are some of the most common and much-required minerals for the smooth functioning of the body.
The iron in the red blood cells is responsible for bringing oxygen from the lungs to every cell in the body. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid volume inside and outside cells. It also keeps your blood pressure from increasing too much when you eat more sodium. Well, do you know the food item that has almost all of these essential nutrients in it? Do you want to access all of them easily, without effort? Then welcome to Nutriplus DailyHealth
Nutriplus DailyHealth
Have you ever heard about Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, otherwise known as AFA? It is a form of blue-green algae exclusively found in the Klamath Lake in the pristine of Oregon, USA. This extremely rare superfood blooms only twice a year, making it extremely difficult to source. But just like or more than eggs, this single product can ensure your overall wellness.
As a nutrition tablet, Nutriplus DailyHealth is doing an exceedingly awesome job. By allowing us to access this extremely rich superfood rich in natural bioavailable vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, trace elements, plant pigments and phytonutrients through a single tablet, Nutriplus DailyHealth is allowing us to have a dose of wellness every day.
So, as we have been introduced to the essential nutrients, I hope you understood something. Every food item contains something good in it. Hence, the best way to ensure that we get all the nutrients necessary for good health is to eat foods from all food groups in a balanced diet. Picking supplement-rich, low-calorie food sources more often than not and keeping a functioning way of life are two significant essentials to a sound and blissful life.
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