Micronutrients and Macronutrients

Posted on June 19, 2009 in Diet-Health, Diet-Trends, Diet-Types

There are two types of nutrients which we need for our survival, micronutrients and macronutrients. This division is based on the quantity of a nutrient the body needs. We need micronutrients in small amounts and macronutrients in large amounts.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are nutrients that the human body needs in minute amounts so that it can function properly. Although micronutrients are needed only in small amounts, their deficiency leads to critical health problems.

In fact, most of the diseases and conditions that people face today are due to deficiency in micronutrients. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that if we ensure elimination of micronutrient deficiency, labor efficiency will increase multifold.

Here’s a list of micronutrients

Vitamins – Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and Carotenoids.

Minerals – Boron, Calcium, Chloride, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Fluoride, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorous, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium and Zinc.

Organic Acids – Acetic acid, Citric acid, Lactic acid, Malic acid, Choline and Taurine.

It is better to get these micronutrients from natural sources such as fruits and vegetables, as this seems to increase their usefulness.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients constitute the bulk of the food we eat. The macronutrients are proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Proteins – proteins are called building blocks of life. It is what most of our body is made of. Proteins themselves are made of amino acids. Some good sources of protein include fish, poultry meat, legumes, soy, eggs, milk and milk products.

Carbohydrates – carbohydrates are made of sugar or starches. They are the main energy providers for our body. Excess carbohydrates are converted into fat and stored in our body. All foods have carbohydrates in some measure.

Fats – fats are substances your body stores for future use. Although most people think that fats are to be avoided altogether, there is a distinction to be made here. There are good fats and bad fats. Bad fats are to be avoided and good fats are to be eaten. Good fats are very much necessary for the proper functioning of the body.

Proteins, carbohydrates and fats are to be eaten in proper proportion. If they are not, lifestyle diseases will affect you.

Comments

Leave a Reply