Understanding the 5 Types of Nutrition: Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, Vitamins and Minerals

Nutrients are the substances found in food that are essential to the human body and boost biological activity. They are classified into proteins, fats, carbohydrates (sugars, dietary fiber), vitamins and minerals, and perform vital functions. Macronutrients are the crucial source of energy in the body, which is produced by breaking down food. Compounds such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates are considered macronutrients.

Carbohydrates are also known as carbohydrates or saccharides. They are distinguished according to the number of monomers such as disaccharides, monosaccharides or polysaccharides. Foods such as rice, noodles, bread, cereal-based products, etc. contain carbohydrates.

Proteins are a group of molecules that form amino acids. They aid in muscle formation and create enzymes and hormones. Fats are essential to support cell growth and provide energy to the body. The body uses fat to absorb vitamins.

They supply the body with energy and protect organs from damage. Minerals are essential micronutrients that help build strong bones and maintain a healthy heart rate. Dietary fiber is a form of carbohydrates or polysaccharides that aid digestion. Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs in small amounts.

The body is usually unable to produce vitamins. Every human being needs 2 liters of water a day to form digestive juices, the basis of blood, urine and sweat. Water is also needed to regulate body temperature, reduce the risk of cystitis, maintain cell health, lubricate cushion joints, and keep the bladder clean of bacteria.

Proteins

are a group of molecules that form amino acids. There are nearly 20 amino acids in the body's proteins, of which nearly 10 are absorbed from the diet. A human body needs amino acids to produce new proteins and repair damaged proteins.

Including several foods in a diet such as eggs, red meat, dairy, beans and nuts would meet protein requirements.

Fats

are essential to support cell growth and provide energy to the body. Fats are known to keep the body warm and energetic.

Carbohydrates

are also known as carbohydrates or saccharides. Foods such as rice, noodles, bread, cereal-based products, etc contain carbohydrates. This is because the human body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose which supports brain and body function.

They also prevent muscle loss by preventing the body from breaking down protein into energy.

Minerals

are essential micronutrients that help build strong bones and maintain a healthy heart rate. Sodium, chloride, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus and calcium are vital minerals for the human body.

Dietary Fiber

is a form of carbohydrates or polysaccharides that aid digestion. However, the human body doesn't get any nutrients or calories from fiber but it helps eliminate toxic wastes from the digestive system.

Vitamins

are essential nutrients that the body needs in small amounts. The body is usually unable to produce vitamins so it should be consumed on a diet.

They are grouped into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. An adult should consume almost 800 milligrams of protein every day; 30,000 milligrams of fiber regularly; 325,000 milligrams of carbohydrates regularly; 77000 milligrams per day of fat intake; and at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water every day. A person should talk to their doctor about any medical conditions and medications they are taking before starting any supplement or vitamin regimen.