In order for human bodies to survive and function normally, a whole lot of nutritional needs must be met. These needs are met through the composition of your diet. Therefore, an understanding of the two different types of nutrients will help you achieve that.
Everything you consume in the form of food is made up of two different types of nutrients known as macronutrients and micronutrients.
What Are Macronutrients?
The three macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. All of them have their own specific roles and functions in the body such as supplying calories and energy. Another macronutrient that most people are not aware of is water. Human body’s comprise of more than 70% water, we need to drink a sufficient amount of water in order for our bodies to function well.
Macronutrients help your body grow, develop, repair, be energized and feel good. The body requires macronutrients in large quantities and they are found in almost every item of food you consume. All of these macronutrients are crucial to your overall health. Consuming a balanced diet with the appropriate ratio is a great way to stay healthy.
Sources of Macronutrients
1. Protein
When you consume protein, it is digested into amino acids. This is what your body uses to develop and repair cells and tissue. Examples of foods rich in protein are meat products such as chicken, beef and pork. If you are a vegetarian, you can source it from foods such as eggs, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds.
2. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are crucial to your overall diet since they are the main source of energy to your body. You can find healthy carbohydrates from a range of plant-based foods such as;
- Fruits
- Beans and legumes
- Whole grains
- Root vegetables
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, cabbage, and kales
3. Fats
Most people do not understand that there are good fats that your body requires to function. Fats are necessary to your body even to those who are trying to lose weight. Healthy fats are essential in your body as they help your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K effectively.
Fats that are known to have a positive effect on your health can be found in;
- Avocado
- Coconut oil
- Nut paste/butter
- Extra virgin olive oil
What Are Micronutrients?
The term micronutrient is used to refer to vitamins and minerals in general. These are actually among the most crucial nutrients your body needs and that is why they are also referred to as essential nutrients. They are labeled ‘micro’, to mean that micronutrients are not needed in large quantities as in the case of macronutrients. However, this does not make them less important to your body in any way. In fact, micronutrients work together with macronutrients to enable your body to function as it should.
Vitamins are needed for energy production, immune function and blood clotting among other functions. As for minerals, they play a major role in growth, bone health, fluid balance, and general body well-being. There are also certain micronutrients with the ability to prevent and fight diseases depending on their functions.
Human bodies do not have the ability to produce all the vitamins and minerals they require to function well. Therefore, you must consume foods to obtain them. It is better to eat a variety of foods so that you can get enough of these vitamins and minerals. Remember that each of these vitamins and minerals has a specific role in your body. Therefore, have them inadequate so as to maintain optimal health.
Both macronutrients and micronutrients are crucial to your well-being. When macronutrients are providing your body with calories, the micronutrients are busy ensuring there are proper growth, development and good health. In short, these nutrients ensures that your body’s processes run smoothly.
The right choice of food and how you store it makes a huge difference for example, a vacuum insulated tumbler like one from the healthy human is a great option when you want to store your juice or drink for a few hours without letting the nutrients loose the properties. and likewise a food item when it is hot should not be stored in plastic containers, they tend to destroy freshness and the health properties of it.