Which Nutrients Must We Include in Our Diet?
We require essential nutrients for the body to carry out basic functions. Most of the nutrients we require are not produced by our bodies, and have to be obtained from the diet.
Essential nutrients fall under this category in that the body does not supply or produce them; hence, they have to be supplemented by the diet. The body requires essential nutrients to maintain overall well-being.
Essential nutrients can either be classified as:
Macro-nutrients– nutrients you require in large quantities for your body to function effectively.These nutrients mainly provide energy and maintain the body’s structural integrity. They comprise carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They contain calories, and thus have an impact on weight.
Micro-nutrients-nutrients you require in smaller quantities. They serve more diverse roles compared to macro-nutrients. However, even if they are required in smaller quantities, they are vital for the body’s optimal functioning. They include vitamins and minerals. They serve a key
role in metabolism and body tissue maintenance. They do not provide any calories, and as such their intake does not influence any weight change.
Water is also an essential nutrient; however, it is neither a micro-nutrient nor a macro-nutrient. This is because it does not provide energy or calories similar to macro-nutrients and it is not necessarily required in small quantities similar to the micro-nutrients. In fact, the quantity of water to be consumed by an individual in a day will vary from one individual to another; depending on activity level, weight and health status.
In conclusion, both macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients are important for the proper functioning of the body and good health. Therefore, they must be included in the diet because failure to consume them may subject one to deficiencies and health deterioration.
In subsequent blog posts, comprehensive coverage of each of these nutrients will be done. The functions of each of these nutrients, their sources, RDAs, and their deficiency diseases will be addressed.