Concept explainers
To review:
The six major categories of nutrients.
Introduction:
The nutrients are the substances in food that are used by the body to promote normal growth, maintenance, as well as repair of tissues. Some of them are micronutrients, which are required in minute amounts, whereas some are required in large amounts and are called macronutrients. Many of these nutrients cannot be made at a rapid rate to meet the need of body. Thus, they are ingested through diet and are called essential nutrients.
Explanation of Solution
A balanced diet is made from a combination of different nutrients. Such diet offers adequate amounts of all the required nutrients and thus provide sufficient energy. The nutrients are broadly divided into five categories: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Three of them (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) are macronutrients, whereas the other two are micronutrients, as explained below:
Water: Water is a universal solvent which dissolves and carries nutrients, remove waste material, and regulates body temperature. The 50 to 70 % of body weight is composed of water. The major sources are water, liquids, vegetables, and fruits.
Macronutrients:
2. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrate is the primary source of energy for all the cell types. Some cells, such as neurons and erythrocytes, are entirely dependent upon glucose for their energy needs. They are mainly obtained from dairy sources and plant materials, such as grains, vegetables, and fruits.
3. Lipids: Phospholipids are an important component of cell membrane and myelin sheath of axons. Also, the fat deposits under skin provide cushioning around the body act as an energy source and form an insulating layer to prevent heat loss. They are mainly present in animal sources, such as meat and dairy products, and plant sources, such as oils from nuts and seeds.
4. Proteins: Proteins are an important component of various structures in the body, such as keratin in skin, collagen and elastin in connective tissues, and other proteins in muscles. Also, several proteins, such as hormones, accelerate growth and also regulate the
Micronutrients:
5. Minerals: They are not utilized as fuel for energy generation, but they work with other nutrients to ensure proper functioning of various structures of the body. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium ions are present in teeth and bones. On the other hand, sodium and potassium ions are present in fluids and regulate the blood volume. Minerals are mostly present in dairy products (calcium ions), grains (phosphorus), pulses (sulfur), and salt (sodium and chlorine ions).
6. Vitamins: Vitamins are required in minute amounts. They do not serve as a source of energy, but are required for growth and good health. Some of them act as coenzymes and facilitate the functions of enzymes. Sources of vitamins are citrus fruits (vitamin C), leafy vegetable, and legumes (vitamin B1).
Therefore, it can be concluded that water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins are the six nutritional categories.
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