The essential nutrients Barbara created are divided into two groups.
Macronutrients and micronutrients.
Explanation:
Macronutrients -- belongs to the group of nutrition that requires a big amount of intake on the daily basis and is very important for one's growth and development.
Micronutrients -- belongs to the group of nutrition that contains a chemical element or substance. Compared to the macronutrients, they are needed in smaller amounts, and are addition to the diet, but also important for human beings.
Water -- Macronutrient -- as our body contains approximately 60% of water, its importance is more than crucial. It maintains our body's temperature, the transport of nutrients we take, it creates saliva and help us with digestion and circulation. Intake of water also plays a big role when it comes to losing weight. It helps our muscles function better, it keeps our skin glowing, it's a big helper when it comes to our kidneys, it helps fight constipation. Those are only a few benefits when it comes to the regular water intake.
Carbohydrates -- Macronutrient -- they contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Probably the main role of carbs is to provide our body with energy. When we eat and digest them, they are broken down into glucose and then they enter our bloodstream. Then, it travels to our cells and it produces ATP. ATP is used by cells in order to form energy so it can be further made into energy.
Fats or lipids -- Macronutrient -- they are a major source of calories and are very important in storing our energy. It gives our cells structure. Fats that are very crucial for our system are omega 3 fats, because they provide our brain and heart with the needed fuel. The only kind of we fat we don't need are artificial fats. Fat contains more calories than carbs and proteins.
Proteins -- Macronutrient -- the word protein comes from the Greek language and a word '' proteos '' which means '' first place ''.
They contain amino acids that form chains. There are 20 kinds of amino acids that form thousands and thousands of different variations of proteins in our bodies. They help with digestion, energy production, muscle contraction and blood clotting. The balance fluids in our bodies, they help fight infections, they store and transport nutrients, they provide energy... etc.
Vitamins -- Micronutrient -- along with macronutrients, our body also needs vitamins on the daily basis in order to maintain a healthy function of our system. They are organic and can be broken down by acid, air and heat. That's why is harder with vitamins -- because by cooking food or exposing it in the air, or storing it somewhere, we kill all the important compounds that they contain. Important vitamins: Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, folic acid... etc.
Minerals -- Micronutrient -- also very important in our daily nutrition. They are not organic like vitamins, but are found in water, plants, fish, animals and drinks we take into our bodies on the daily basis, so we will find a way to consume them. Important minerals for the body's healthy function:
potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc... etc.
