The 6 Types Of Essential Nutrients Your Body Needs – Essential nutrients are, well, absolutely necessary. However, what does this imply? Basically, an essential nutrient is any nutrient that the body requires to promote growth, prevent disease, or maintain optimal health, but cannot produce itself. Or, if the body does produce the nutrient, it does so in trace amounts that are insufficient. A nutrient is any substance that provides essential nourishment for growth and life maintenance.
This includes micronutrients, macronutrients, fatty acids, and amino acids. There are numerous nutrients that are beneficial to our health, but there are a few that we must be especially careful to include in our diets. Your body requires SIX types of essential nutrients in order to function properly. To clarify, a nutrient is a substance that provides essential nourishment for growth and life maintenance.
What essential nutrients does your body require?
1. Protein
Protein is not only beneficial for muscles. Every cell in your body contains protein, from bone to skin to hair. They are the body’s building blocks. In fact, 16% of a person’s weight is made up of protein! All of your hormones, antibodies, and other essential substances are composed of protein. However, not all proteins are the same. They are composed of various amino acids.
While the body can produce some amino acids, many essential amino acids must be obtained from food or other external sources. In order for the body to function properly, a wide range of these amino acids must be present. With the amino acids you ingest throughout the day, your body is able to synthesize healthy complete proteins. Ensure you are consuming an adequate amount of complete proteins or amino acids through your diet or supplementation.
2. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential for a healthy body, despite the fact that many diets remove them. Carbohydrates nourish the body, particularly the central nervous system and brain. They also provide disease protection. Carbohydrates should account for 45 to 65 percent of your daily calorie intake. Remember that some carbohydrates are superior to others. Choose whole grains, beans, and vegetables and fruits rich in fiber over refined grains and processed foods.
3. Fats
Fats have a negative reputation, but healthy fats are an essential component of a balanced diet. This is due to the fact that fat supports numerous bodily functions, including vitamin and mineral absorption, blood clotting, cell formation, and muscle movement. And although fat is high in calories, remember that calories are an essential source of energy for your body.
Experts recommend consuming between 20 and 35% of daily calories from fat. When you include healthy fats in your diet, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, you will improve brain function, maintain a healthy blood sugar level, and reduce your risk for a number of diseases.
4. Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for disease prevention and optimal health maintenance. The body requires these nutrients in order to support its many functions. The body requires a total of 13 essential vitamins, including vitamins A, C, D, and the B vitamins. Each of these vitamins plays a vital role in the body, and their deficiency can lead to health issues and disease. Additionally, they are necessary for healthy eyesight, skin, and bones.
5. Minerals
Similar to vitamins, minerals support the body and its numerous functions. In addition to building strong bones and teeth, regulating metabolism, and maintaining hydration, these nutrients are essential for a variety of functions. Magnesium, calcium, and iron are some of the most prevalent and essential types of minerals.
Magnesium is present in every cell of the body, regulating healthy sleep patterns, supporting muscles, and promoting heart health, among many other functions. Calcium helps strengthen bones, facilitates the transmission of nerve signals, and maintains a healthy blood pressure.
6. Water
You can survive without food for weeks, but only a few days without water. Water is absolutely essential for all bodily systems. It also comprises the majority of your body as a bout 62% of your body weight consists of water. Water enhances cognitive function and mood. In the body, it functions as a shock absorber and lubricant. In addition, it helps eliminate toxins, transport nutrients to cells that require them, hydrate the body, and stimulate digestion. Even mild dehydration can cause tiredness and cognition issues. So grab a glass and provide your body with what it requires.
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