Nutrition is a very essential part of our development and health. Better nutrition results to safe pregnancy in women and successful childbirth, strong immune system, lower risk of diseases, and life longevity. Malnutrition poses huge threats to human health such as overweight and susceptibility to diseases. Children with adequate nutrition learn better, while healthy adults are more productive and break poverty cycles. We have different types of nutrients but can are grouped into seven categories according to their functions. We should know about these essential nutrients to keep our bodies healthy.
Carbohydrates
Energy is an essential element that helps in normal functioning of the body. We get this energy from carbohydrates. Consuming foods like wheat, rice and grains provides our bodies with the required carbohydrates for body energy. Additionally, dry beans, root vegetables, dairy products like milk and eggs, and fruits also have carbohydrates. Ensure to have at least one type of food with carbohydrates in every meal to give your body enough energy.
Proteins
Our body tissues wear out after sometime and require to be replaced. Proteins help in repairing and maintaining these body tissues, enhancing the metabolism and coordinating other body functions like maintaining the balance of fluids and pH level. Healthy sources of proteins are foods like beans, fish, meat, dairy products and eggs.
Vitamins
A healthy body metabolism requires adequate vitamins. Likewise, other body parts like the skin, the hair are maintained by vitamins. They also support growth and development and function of important body cells, development of bones, and releasing and utilizing food’s energy. Generally, vitamins boost the immune system of the body. In every meal, consume vitamins for immunity including vitamins A, D, E, C and Zinc. Foods rich in these vitamins are eggs, spinach, bell peppers and almonds.
Fats
Fats are essential elements that help our bodies to minimize heat loss during cold weathers. They also act as shock absorber by protecting body organs from shock. They aid in making up some of our body cells, provide energy, and support transportation of fat soluble vitamins K, D, E and A. foods that are better source of fats are nuts, edible oils, and meat.
Water
The largest part of our bodies is made up of water. All body fluids including blood are made of water. Water is an important nutrient that helps in maintaining our health. It regulates the body temperature, carries nutrients, produces body fluids, and gets rid of body waste products. This means that we should drink plenty of water to improve our body functions and health.
Minerals
Minerals are crucial body nutrients that help regulate numerous body functions including balancing body fluids, regulating nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. Some minerals like bones, calcium, and teeth make up the body. Some of the foods we should eat to obtain minerals include, bread, fish, fruits, whole grains and vegetables.
Dietary Fiber
Have ever experienced constipation? If yes, it means your body was sort of Fiber. Fiber is that part of plant that we eat but is not digested by the body. It helps stabilize the level of blood sugar and prevent constipation. It can be classified into insoluble and soluble fibre. Foods that can help you reach daily fibre goal include, lentils, peas, grains and vegetables. Eat numerous foods with different types of fiber to help smooth movement of stool along large intestine.
In conclusion, each nutrient has its unique function in the body. However, they all work together to contribute to our overall body healthy. That is why we should consume all to improve the body immune system, promote health, and lengthen life. Lack of adequate nutrients can significantly affect our health and affect all our activities. Eat balanced diet to prevent malnutrition, have strength to fight diseases, and promote overall wellness.