Our body is made up of certain nutrients that are needed so that it functions optimally. Exercises and proper eating can fuel the body to perform properly. However, all the nutrition needed is not made up by the body itself, i.e. not internally. Some of these nutrients can be found in food and the way to introduce them into the body is to include those foods in our diets. That way, the body gets all the essential nutrients that it requires to regulate and function properly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that these essential nutrients are extremely crucial for our body and need to be consumed in the form of nutrient-rich food to prevent certain diseases, boost growth and regulate blood flow to maintain the health.
The nutrients that we need to consume for our body can be broadly categorized into two main heads: Macronutrients and Micronutrients. Micronutrients are the nutrients that we need to consume in larger quantities while micronutrients are the ones that are consumed by us in lesser quantities. However, their benefits are long term regardless of the quantity consumed. Carbohydrates, fat, etc. are some of the most common macronutrients while vitamins and minerals are some of the different kinds of micronutrients.
The 8 Most Essential Nutrients That Our Body Cannot Do Without On the Regular
Everyone knows that eating healthy is important today. However, most do not know what nutrients they are consuming and how it is affecting their metabolism. They are not aware of the benefits of these nutrients. It is really important to know what you are consuming so that you know what to consume and in what quantity. Some of the most important nutrients that our body needs are as follows:
- Protein – Everyone from regular gym goers to people who are really conscious of their health, consume protein in adequate dosages. Protein is the main nutrient used in the building blocks of the body. The muscles, the hair and the bones in our body, all contain protein in certain quantities. In short, protein is used for growth, maintenance and keeping a person healthy. Studies have shown that about 16% of a person’s body weight is due to the presence of protein. Protein is composed of various amino acids. While some of them are produced by the body, the rest of them come from food.
- Carbohydrates – Carbohydrates are necessary for healthy functioning of our body. It fuels the central nervous system, the body and the mind and provides the body the energy to carry out daily tasks.
- Vitamins – Vitamins are important because they help the body stay healthy and fend off various diseases. There are 13 different kinds of vitamins and each vitamin has a specific function. Vitamins reduce risks of prostate and lung cancer.
- Fat – Be it muscle movement, building of cells in the body or blood clotting, without fat, none of that would happen. Fat is a really essential nutrient that also provides the body with enough energy to sustain and perform optimally on the regular.
- Minerals – Minerals like iron, calcium and zinc are needed to strengthen bones and teeth. They also help regulate body metabolism and keeps the body hydrated. Iron helps in formation of red blood cells while zinc provides immunity to the system and augments wound healings.
- Water – Perhaps one of the most important nutrients, water is something our body cannot survive without for even a day or two. Water helps the body stay hydrated and allows blood regulations. It cleanses the inside of the body and allows the brain to function properly. It allows the blood to flush out the toxins from the body.
- Glutamine – Glutamine is the nutrient that the body needs to help it in repairing the muscles. It also boosts the immunity system.
- Potassium – Potassium is a key electrolyte that helps in carrying nutrients to different parts of the body. It also helps the kidney flush out the excess sodium from the body.
These are the 8 most important nutrients that the body needs in order to function properly on the regular. Make sure your body is getting them.
