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what are the nutrients and their functions

by Miss Winnifred Nicolas Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The important functions of nutrients include:

  • They are the main source of energy for the body.
  • They help in building and repairing body tissues.
  • Increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Helps in the synthesis of collagen.
  • Provides proper structure to the blood vessels, bones and ligaments.
  • They also help in maintaining the homeostasis of the body.

5 Essential Nutrients to Maximize Your Health
  • Carbohydrates. Main function: Provide energy. ...
  • Protein. Main function: Build and repair tissue. ...
  • Fats. Main function: Provide backup energy. ...
  • Vitamins and Minerals. Main function: Maintain optimal health. ...
  • Water.
Oct 6, 2014

Full Answer

What are the six classes of nutrients and their functions?

What are the 6 nutrients and their functions?

  • Water. Water makes up 45-75% of our bodies and is important for good health.
  • Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates (carbs for short) are the main sources of energy in our body.
  • Protein. Protein is made of amino acids, which are the building blocks of our tissues.
  • Fat.
  • Vitamins.
  • Minerals.

What are the 7 nutrients that your body needs?

The minerals that your body needs include:

  • Sodium
  • Iron
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Chloride
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Trace minerals

What functions do nutrients play in your bodies?

Your body needs vitamins to perform all of its essential functions, some of these include [4]:

  • Helping your body's natural defence against illness
  • Helping with wound healing
  • Keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy

What are the 7 major nutrients?

Seven essential minerals are:

  • Sodium
  • Iron
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Phosphorus

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What are the 7 nutrients and their functions?

There are seven main classes of nutrients that the body needs. These are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. It is important that everyone consumes these seven nutrients on a daily basis to help them build their bodies and maintain their health.

What are the 6 types of nutrients and their functions?

The Six Basic NutrientsWater. Water makes up 45-75% of our bodies and is important for good health. ... Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates (carbs for short) are the main sources of energy in our body. ... Protein. Protein is made of amino acids, which are the building blocks of our tissues. ... Fat. ... Vitamins. ... Minerals.

What is nutrient and its function?

Nutrients are substances required by the body to perform its basic functions. Nutrients must be obtained from our diet since the human body can not make them. Nutrients have one or more of three basic functions: they provide energy, contribute to body structure, and/or regulate chemical processes in the body.

What are the 8 nutrients and their functions?

The important nutrients and their functions include are mentioned below:Carbohydrates. It is one of the main sources of energy for human beings. ... Calcium. It is a mineral that is vital for building strong bones and teeth. ... Cholesterol. It is essential for the brain, nerves, and development of cells. ... Fats. ... Iron. ... Protein. ... Sodium.

What are the functions of the 6 essential nutrients?

The six essential nutrients are vitamins, minerals, protein, fats, water, and carbohydrates....Fatscell growth.blood clotting.building new cells.reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.muscle movement.balance blood sugar.brain functioning.mineral and vitamin absorption.More items...•

What are six basic nutrients?

There are six basic nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. All of these are classified as essential. Your body requires essential nutrients to function properly. These nutrients must be obtained from the foods you eat; your body cannot make them on its own.

What are 10 types of nutrients?

There are more than 40 different kinds of nutrients in food and they can generally be classified into the following 7 major groups:Carbohydrates.Proteins.Fats.Vitamins.Minerals.Dietary fibre.Water.

What are nutrients give examples?

Nutrient. Nutrients are chemical compounds in food that are used by the body to function properly and maintain health. Examples include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

What are the most important nutrients?

6 Essential Nutrients and Why Your Body Needs ThemProtein.Carbs.Fats.Vitamins.Minerals.Water.

Are there 8 nutrients?

The human body is dependent on eight essential nutrients which it should absorb in appropriate proportions in order to function properly. These nutrients include Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, B Vitam... ins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Water and Fiber, Minerals (Iron majorly).

What are the functions of the six classes of food?

The Six Classes of Food and Their Functions Are;Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are one of the most consumed class of food. ... Proteins. Protein's importance can be seen in the muscle-building process, in the transmission of messages, and in hair growth. ... Fat and Oil. Fats are a great source of energy. ... Vitamins. ... Minerals. ... Water.

What are the 5 functions of food?

Food provides our bodies with what they need to:stay alive, be active, move and work;build new cells and tissues for growth;stay healthy and heal themselves;prevent and fight infections.

What are the 3 functions of nutrients?

They are categorized as proteins, fats, carbohydrates (sugars, dietary fiber), vitamins, and minerals, and perform the following vital functions.1Building all parts of the body such as muscle, bone, teeth, and blood.2Producing energy (power and heat)3Keeping the body in good working order.

What is the function of fiber?

Dietary fiber increases the weight and size of your stool and softens it. A bulky stool is easier to pass, decreasing your chance of constipation. If you have loose, watery stools, fiber may help to solidify the stool because it absorbs water and adds bulk to stool.

What are the types of nutrition?

Types of Nutrition. Broadly, there are two types of nutrition among living organisms, namely: Autotrophic mode. Heterotrophic mode.

What are the functions of carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates, also known as carbs, are vital at every stage of life. They're the body's primary source of energy and the brain's preferred energy source. Carbs are broken down by the body into glucose – a type of sugar. Glucose is used as fuel by your body's cells, tissues, and organs.

What are the functions of nutrients?

The important functions of nutrients include: 1 They are the main source of energy for the body. 2 They help in building and repairing body tissues. 3 Increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. 4 Helps in the synthesis of collagen. 5 Provides proper structure to the blood vessels, bones and ligaments. 6 They also help in maintaining the homeostasis of the body.

What are the two types of nutrients that are required by the body?

Not all nutrients provide energy but are necessary for some form or the other. These nutrients are divided into two categories: Macronutrients, which are required by the body in large amounts. Micronutrients, which are required by the body in small amounts.

What are the main sources of energy for humans?

Carbohydrates. It is one of the main sources of energy for human beings. It comprises of three types of carbohydrates and they include fibre, sugar, and starch. They are usually low calories and thus help in maintaining a healthy diet.

What are the components of a micronutrient?

They also build and repair damaged tissues in order to control the body process. Micronutrients include calcium, iron, vitamins, iron, minerals and vitamin C. Also Read: Components of Food.

How to learn more about nutrition?

To learn more about nutrition, its types, functions and important nutrients in food, keep visiting BYJU’S website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.

How many types of nutrients are there?

In general, there are two types of nutrients:

What is the role of cholesterol in the body?

Cholesterol. It is essential for the brain, nerves, and development of cells. It plays an important role in the forming of enzymes and hormones. Foods include cheese, milk, chicken, beef, and fish.

What are essential nutrients?

Essential nutrients are compounds that the body can’t make or can’t make in sufficient quantity. According to the World Health Organization. , these nutrients must come from food, and they’re vital for disease prevention, growth, and good health.

What are the two categories of nutrients?

While there are many essential nutrients, they can be broken into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients.

How many groups of micronutrients are there?

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, and small doses go a long way. There are six main groups of essential micronutrients and macronutrients.

How many vitamins are needed for the body to function properly?

The body needs these micronutrients to support its functions. There are 13 essential vitamins that the body needs to function properly, including vitamins A, C, B 6, and D. Each vitamin plays an important role in the body, and not getting enough of them can cause health problems and disease.

Why do we need vitamins?

Vitamins are essential for healthy vision, skin, and bones. Vitamins may lower the risk of lung and prostate cancer, and they’re powerful antioxidants. Vitamins like vitamin C boost the immune system and help the body heal. Healthy sources.

What are some good sources of protein?

While meat, fish, and eggs are good sources of essential amino acids, you can also get protein from plant sources like beans, soy, nuts, and some grains . Exactly how much protein you need daily depends on a variety of factors including how active you are, and your age.

Why is water important for your body?

Water improves your brain function and mood. It acts a shock absorber and a lubricant in the body. It also helps flush out toxins, carry nutrients to cells, hydrate the body, and prevent constipation. Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired and impair your concentration and physical performance. Trusted Source.

What is essential nutrient?

An essential nutrient is a nutrient that the body cannot synthesize on its own -- or not to an adequate amount -- and must be provided by the diet. These nutrients are necessary for the body to function properly.

What is the role of water in the body?

Water. Water helps to maintain homeostasis in the body and transports nutrients to cells. Water also assists in removing waste products from the body. All beverages and high-moisture foods such as soup and watermelon contain water and count towards your daily water requirement.

How many amino acids are in a protein diet?

Protein is broken down into amino acids, which are building blocks of protein. Nine of the 20 amino acids, known as essential amino acids, must be provided in the diet as they cannot be synthesized in the body. Ten to 35 percent of your daily calories should come from lean protein sources such as low-fat meat, dairy, beans or eggs.

What are the main sources of energy for the brain?

Carbohydrates are the main energy source for the brain. Without carbohydrates, the body could not function properly. Sources include fruits, breads and grains, starchy vegetables and sugars. Make at least half of the grains you consume whole grains. Whole grains and fruit are full of fiber, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease ...

Why are nutrients important?

Nutrients are important chemical components of food required by an organism for its growth and maintenance. The human body cannot synthesize the majority of the nutrients on its own, and thus require to get different nutrients from different types of food.

How many nutrients are in food?

There are a total of seven important nutrients in food. Five main nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Water and roughage are also two essential nutrients needed by the body. Each of these nutrients has its own functions:

What is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet can be defined as a diet that includes all the important nutrients along with water and roughage in the right amount that is needed by the body. A balanced diet differs according to the age and medical condition of a person. For example, a child needs more protein than an adult.

What are the two categories of nutrients?

Nutrients based on the amounts required in an organism can be broadly classified into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients.

What are micronutrients?

Micronutrients: (Micro = small) Those nutrients which are required by the body of an organism in trace or very small amounts, i.e. in micrograms or milligrams and mainly to maintain vital functions as well as metabolic state of a body, they are called macronutrients. Vitamins and minerals are examples of micronutrients.

How many vitamins are there in the human body?

There are a total of 13 essential vitamins. These vitamins are classified into two types, water-soluble and fat-soluble, based on their solubility.

Which vitamins are fat soluble?

Fats help to absorb certain vitamins required by our body, i.e. vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble.

What is the most important macronutrient in the body?

Protein is present in every cell of your body. A protein deficiency will cause damage to your cells and they will have a hard time recovering. Carbohydrates. Though carbs have suffered a bad reputation over the year, it is an essential macro-nutrient for the body.

Why are carbs important?

Though carbs have suffered a bad reputation over the year, it is an essential macro-nutrient for the body. Carbohydrates provide energy for your bodily functions and is essential for keeping the nervous system healthy. Low carb diets often mean low energy and even puzzled brain function.

What are some examples of vitamins?

For example, Vitamin A is necessary for good eyesight while B-complex vitamins help everything, from digestion to healthy metabolism.

What is a healthy diet?

A healthy diet consists of a variety of nutrients, in adequate quantities in every meal. Most adults and even kids fail to consume all the nutrients their body needs. Instead, they focus on eating lots of carbs and sugars. This leads to leathery, concentration issues and sometimes even cognitive problems.

Why is fat important for the body?

Though most people try to reduce the amount of fats in their diet, healthy fats are actually essential for your body. They help in maintaining healthy brain function. It regulates your body temperature and helps in keeping your digestion healthy. Fat also works as an energy reserve for the body.

What is the best way to keep your body healthy?

Insoluble fiber, also known as roughage, also helps in keeping digestion healthy by ensuring regular bowel movements. Water. Our bodies are at least 70% water. Therefore, water is an essential nutrient for us. Dehydration could cause confusion, lethargy, irritation and even cognitive issues in people.

Why is protein important for muscle growth?

It is the most important macro-nutrient for keeping your muscles healthy. People who do not consume enough protein have damaged nails and hair . Their skin lacks glow and their muscle definition is also bad. Protein is present in every cell of your body.

What are the functions of nutrients?

Nutrients have one or more of three basic functions: they provide energy, contribute to body structure, and/or regulate chemical processes in the body. These basic functions allow us to detect and respond to environmental surroundings, move, excrete wastes, breathe, grow, and reproduce.

What are the nutrients?

The foods we eat contain nutrients. Nutrients are substances required by the body to perform its basic functions. Nutrients must be obtained from our diet since the human body can not make them. Nutrients have one or more of three basic functions: they provide energy, contribute to body structure, and/or regulate chemical processes in the body. These basic functions allow us to detect and respond to environmental surroundings, move, excrete wastes, breathe, grow, and reproduce. There are six classes of nutrients required for the body to function and maintain overall health. These are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, water, vitamins, and minerals. Foods also contain non-nutrient that may be harmful such as natural toxins common in plant foods and additives like some dyes and preservatives or beneficial like antioxidants.

What is the amount of heat generated by a particular macronutrient that raises the temperature of 1 kilogram of water?

On nutrition food labels, the amount given for “calories” is actually equivalent to each calorie multiplied by one thousand. A kilocalorie (Calorie) is the amount of heat generated by a particular macronutrient that raises the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1 degree Celsius.

How many calories are in a gram of carbohydrates?

One gram of digestible carbohydrates yields four kilocalories of energy for the body’s cells to perform work. Besides providing energy and serving as building blocks for bigger macromolecules, carbohydrates are essential for the nervous system’s proper functioning, heart, and kidneys. As mentioned, glucose can be stored in the body for future use. In humans, the storage molecule of carbohydrates is called glycogen, and in plants, it is known as starch. Glycogen and starch are complex carbohydrates.

How many micronutrients are there?

Micronutrients include all the essential minerals and vitamins. There are sixteen essential minerals and thirteen vitamins. In contrast to carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, micronutrients are not sources of energy (calories), but they assist in the process as cofactors or components of enzymes (i.e., coenzymes).

What are the six classes of nutrients that are needed for the body to function?

There are six classes of nutrients required for the body to function and maintain overall health. These are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, water, vitamins, and minerals.

What are the main sources of carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The major food sources of carbohydrates are grains, milk, fruits, and starchy vegetables, like potatoes. Non-starchy vegetables also contain carbohydrates but in lesser quantities.

What are the 7 major nutrients?

There are more than 40 different kinds of nutrients in food and they can generally be classified into the following 7 major groups:

What are the functions of each nutrient?

Nutrients have one or more of three basic functions: they provide energy, contribute to body structure, and/or regulate chemical processes in the body. These basic functions allow us to detect and respond to environmental surroundings, move, excrete wastes, breathe, grow, and reproduce.

What are the seven main nutrients and their functions?

Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, or carbs, often get a bad rap as fattening, with many no-carb diets emerging in recent years. ...

What are the 7 nutrients the body needs to receive?

Protein. Your body uses protein to manufacture important molecules, like enzymes and hormones. ...

What is the function of protein?

Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.

What are the 6 basic nutrients and their definition?

There are six basic nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. All of these are classified as essential. Your body requires essential nutrients to function properly. These nutrients must be obtained from the foods you eat; your body cannot make them on its own.

What are the important nutrients and their functions in the body of the animal?

The nutrients used by animals include carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Carbohydrates are the basic source of energy for all animals. Animals obtain their carbohydrates from the external environment (compared with plants, which synthesize carbohydrates by photosynthesis).

What is Food? Definition for kids

Foods are natural substances (like an apple) or processed substances (like bread) that, when eaten, give your body the material and energy it needs to develop and grow.

Energetic Foods

Energetic foods are those that contain carbohydrates and fats as main nutrients.

2. Body Building Food

Plastic foods are protein foods also called building foods. How are foods classified according to their function?

3. Regulatory Foods: Fruits and Vegetables

Regulatory foods definition: The so-called regulatory foods are those that contain vitamins and minerals. These nutrients wil l facilitate and control the various physiological functions so that all the vital processes that take place in our body flow normally.

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What Are Nutrients?

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Not all nutrients provide energy but are necessary for some form or the other. These nutrients are divided into two categories: 1. Macronutrients, which are required by the body in large amounts. 2. Micronutrients, which are required by the body in small amounts.
See more on byjus.com

Types of Nutrients

  • In general, there are two types of nutrients: 1. Macronutrients 2. Micronutrients Above nutrients could be obtained from the environment. Macronutrients provide energy to a living being for the function of the metabolic system. They provide massive energy has it is converted used to obtain energy. Macronutrients include fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Micronutrient provides essenti…
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Important Nutrients in Food

  • There are several nutrients that cannot be synthesized by the body and have to be taken externally through food. These are vital for the proper functioning of the body. The important nutrients and their functions include are mentioned below:
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Functions of Nutrients

  • The important functions of nutrients include: 1. They are the main source of energy for the body. 2. They help in building and repairing body tissues. 3. Increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. 4. Helps in the synthesis of collagen. 5. Provides proper structure to the blood vessels, bones and ligaments. 6. They also help in maintaining th...
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Types of Nutrients

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Nutrients based on the amounts required in an organism can be broadly classified into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. 1. Macronutrients: (Macro \(=\) large) Those nutrients which are required by the body of an organism in subsequently large amounts, i.e. in grams and mainly functions to provide energy…
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Balanced Diet

  • A balanced diet can be defined as a diet that includes all the important nutrients along with water and roughage in the right amount that is needed by the body. A balanced diet differs according to the age and medical condition of a person. For example, a child needs more protein than an adult.
See more on embibe.com

7 Important Nutrients and Their Functions

  • There are a total of seven important nutrients in food. The five main nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Water and roughage are also two essential nutrients needed by the body. Each of these nutrients has its own functions:
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Importance of Nutrients in Plants

  • It is not just humans who need nutrients. Plants and all other living organisms require nutrients deriving nutrition from different sources or modes. We have already learnt that plants are called autotrophs or producers. Plants are called autotrophs as they can synthesise their own food through photosynthesis. The process of photosynthesis requires minerals, carbon dioxide, wate…
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Deficiency Diseases

  • Lack of one or more nutrients for a long period leads to different types of diseases; these diseases are called deficiency diseases. These diseases can be prevented with the help of a balanced diet. 1. Protein-energy Malnutrition (PEM): It is a common disease in children that occurs due to deficiency of protein, carbohydrates and fats. Marasmus (in infants) and Kwashiorkor (in children…
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Summary

  • In a nutshell, there is no single food that supplies all the nutrients that our body requires. Hence, it is important that we include different types of food to get different nutrients for our bodies. Consuming a balanced diet, which includes all the nutrients, helps us stay healthy and live longer.
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FAQs Regarding Important Nutrients

  • Q.1: What are the three most important nutrients? Ans:Carbohydrates, fats and protein are considered three important nutrients in food. These are also called macronutrients as they are required in large amounts by the body. Q.2: Which nutrients help in developing immunity and are essential to fight the covid-19 virus? Ans:Nutrients like vitamins (particularly vitamin C) and mine…
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