Discussing essential nutrients for your body

Our body needs energy to carry out daily activities. The food consumed by our body is the only source of nutrients that provide the aforementioned energy. In addition to that, these nutrients are also important for nourishment, growth, immunity, reproduction, and maintenance of overall health and wellness. An ideal, well-balanced diet should include the following nutrients:

1. Protein

Protein is a type of macronutrient that is required by every cell in the body in order to function properly. Natural sources of protein include eggs, dairy products, red meats, nuts, beans, poultry, whole grains, and others. If you are unable to consume enough protein through your diet alone, you may rely on protein as a dietary aid. The best protein powder is offered by various brands available both online as well as offline.

There are multiple benefits of consuming the nutrient. Some of them may include:

• Aids the growth as well as maintenance of hair, skin, muscles, and bones
• Acts as a fuel for the body and provides it with the required energy
• Helps form substances like hormones, antibodies to fight infections, and so on

Therefore, it is essential for the body. Despite these health benefits, you should ensure that the consumption of the nutrient is in moderation. Exceeding the recommended amounts of consumption may cause certain side effects.

2. Fats

There are two types of fats found in food items – saturated and unsaturated. Since saturated fats are solid at room temperature, they form blockages in the blood vessels. This leads to an increase in the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol. Therefore, unsaturated fats when consumed in recommended amounts are considered to be healthier.

Unsaturated fats are further divided into two types – monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are produced by the body and can also be consumed in the form of food sources like olive oil, peanut oil, avocados, nuts, peanut butter, and others. Polyunsaturated fats, on the other hand, can only be obtained through foods like walnuts, fish, flax seeds, and so on. Trans fats, found in processed foods, are the unhealthiest fats and should be completely avoided.

Proper consumption of fats offers a variety of health benefits including but not limited to:

• Maintains heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease
• Facilitates the absorption of minerals in the body
• Regulates the blood sugar levels
• Helps build new cells
• Boosts the immune system
• Improves cognitive function

3. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, just like protein, act as the fuel for the body and provide energy. These can be divided into two types: simple and complex. Simple carbs are found in processed foods including rice, bread, etc. Foods like quinoa, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, etc. are great sources of complex carbohydrates.

There are various other health benefits of having a diet with more healthy or complex carbohydrates. These may include:

• Enhances the brain function
• Boosts immune health
• Maintains digestive health
• Improves the health of nervous system

4. Vitamins

Vitamins are among the micronutrients required by our body for essential daily activities. The major types include vitamin B complex, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Vitamin B complex further includes B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, and B12. Vitamin-rich foods include fruits and vegetables, dairy products, vegetable oils, fish, etc. If you are unable to get the required amounts through natural sources, you may rely on vitamin B, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K or vitamin D tablets to your diet.

There are multiple health benefits that vitamins provide to the body. Some of these include:

• Facilitation of calcium absorption
• Enhancement of immune health
• Maintenance of healthy skin
• Reduction in the risk of certain cancers

5. Minerals

There are multiple types of minerals that are important for the overall health and wellness of our bodies. Major types include calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium iron, zinc, selenium, and others. Major food sources rich in these important minerals include vegetables, fruits, egg yolks, dairy products, whole grains, seafood, etc.

The health benefits that you can avail through the consumption of these minerals include:

• Regulation of the body’s metabolism
• Maintenance of strength in the bones and teeth
• Production of red blood cells
• Muscle health management via contraction and regulation
• Maintenance of healthy blood pressure

6. Water

Water, rightly called the elixir of life by Sir CV Raman, is the most important nutrient required by the body. The human body highly relies on water for multiple reasons but cannot stay alive for more than a few days without it.

The nutrient performs multiple functions including:

• Regulation of the body’s temperature
• Facilitates waste removal
• Helps the body flush out toxins
• Aids the transport of nutrients to cells
• Maintains digestive system health

Conclusion

So these were the essential nutrients that should be included in your daily diet. You can refer to the product label for the nutritional information with the amounts of these nutrients in any food item. However, for a customised, suitable diet plan, you may consult a nutritionist. Only a professional will be able to guide you on the ideal blend of the same based on your existing health conditions as well as requirements.

Do let us know your views on these nutrients in the comments below!

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