A nutrient, in general, is any component that nourishes the human body. It is essential for physical and mental growth and helps in living a healthier life as well. Nutrients consist of two categories; micro and macro, which include amino and fatty acids. Micronutrients are small doses that the body needs to grow, such as minerals and vitamins. In contrast, macronutrients are consumed in more significant amounts, like carbohydrates, water, protein, and fats.
Most of the nutrients are beneficial for a person’s well-being, and one must incorporate them into their daily life. The primary reason is that the human body cannot produce every needed nutrient independently. Sometimes, taking nutritional supplements is the solution to health problems.
If you strive to maintain optimal health and live a long life, you will have to do the same. Without incorporating the proper nutrients in your diet, you will suffer in different ways. Essential nutrients fuel up your body, helping it in sustaining its current form. Previously, people did not care much about their health, but now the trend has changed. Nowadays, people eyeball their dietary choices, adopting a more mindful eating approach.
If you wish to follow such healthy practices, try to learn about the essential nutrients for the human body. You can also take help from someone who has completed their masters in public health online, like a dietician or medical practitioner. These professionals can help you understand varying bodily needs. For your convenience, here are five beneficial nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Let’s dig into their explanation and sources.
1. Carbohydrates
You must be thinking that carbs are bad news, but it isn’t true at all. Every person needs a sufficient amount of carbohydrates to function well. If you skip on essential carbohydrates, your body will not receive enough energy to perform different tasks. Plus, your brain works better on carbohydrates, and they also help in combating diseases. As noted by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a person’s diet should compose 45 to 65 percent carbohydrates. If not, you will find it challenging to stay active and think properly.
Some healthy sources of carbohydrates are:
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
2. Proteins
Everyone is raving about proteins. This type of hype is a much-needed one as proteins keep us the healthiest. Protein does wonders to the human body and optimizes the human cells. That is mainly because every single cell and body hormone develops with the help of proteins. It is used for optimal growth and maintenance of the body. Additionally, proteins contain different amino acids, and some of them the body produces naturally. However, you can only obtain most of these amino acids from food.
Some sources of protein are:
- Meat
- Eggs
- Fish
- Beans
- Nuts
- Soy
- Grains
3. Fats
People often consider fats unhealthy, but recent studies have shown how healthy fats can transform your body. As noted by Harvard Medical School, good fats assist the body in performing daily functions. Such as helping the body in building cells, absorbing essential minerals and vitamins, and muscle absorption. Fats consume most of your calorie count, but they are a vital source of energy. By including good fats in your everyday life, you will be able to:
- Balance your blood sugar levels
- Improve brain functioning
- Decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart diseases
Some healthy ways to obtain good fats are:
- Nuts
- Fish
- Seeds
- Olive oil
- Avocado
- Flaxseed
- Coconut oil
4. Minerals
Much like fats, minerals support the daily activities of the body too. If you want to have strong teeth and bones and good metabolism, consume minerals religiously. Some of the best and commonly found minerals are zinc, calcium, and iron. You can either buy some over-the-counter mineral medicines or maintain a good diet containing sufficient minerals. Apart from strengthening teeth and bones, calcium regulates blood pressure, helps in nerve signal transmission and muscle relaxation and contraction. Iron supports hormone creation and red blood cells, while zinc improves the immune system and heals wounds quickly.
5. Vitamins
Vitamins are equally crucial for the body as minerals. They keep the sickness at bay, assisting the body in staying healthy. Vitamins are essential micronutrients that the body requires almost every day. All in all, the body needs 13 vitamins to function well, including vitamins D, A, C, and B6. Every single vitamin has a different yet essential role. If you do not consume vitamins in the required amount, your body may develop vitamin deficiencies, causing severe health problems. To maintain healthy skin, vision, and bones, try to incorporate multivitamins in your life. Additionally, due to the powerful antioxidants found in vitamins, they also lower prostate and lung cancer risk. You can obtain most of the vitamins from a well-balanced diet enriched with vegetables and fruits.
The Bottom Line:
In the end, it is all about mindful eating, which means consuming the right food groups in the correct quantity. By balancing your dietary choices, you will do yourself a big favor. So prioritize your health and invest in the above-mentioned essential nutrients. That’s the only way to live a longer, healthier, and happier life.
