Nutrients are essential for our bodies to function. Here Swiss Sciences Nutrition will provide a brief rundown of the various nutrients.
Nutrients are simply chemicals we all need. They are what makes our bodies live and grow. Nutrients are used to create and repair body tissues and regulate the body’s processes. In the body’s digestive system some nutrients are converted into energy.
There are different ways to classify nutrients.
There are different ways to classify nutrients. Organic nutrients or inorganic nutrients, macronutrients or micronutrients, essential nutrients or non-essential nutrients, and nutrients that provide energy or nutrients that support metabolism. The main classifications of nutrients are: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water. Swiss Sciences Nutrition is involved in the study of these nutrients and their effects on the body.
Organic nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins come from the materials of other living organisms while inorganic nutrients are “non-living” substances such as water, oxygen, and minerals.
Macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, fat and water are nutrients that are needed in large quantities. Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are only needed in small amounts.
Nutrients that cannot be created by our body’s chemical processes are called essential nutrients. These are nutrients that must be introduced by the foods we eat or in dietary supplements. Nonessential nutrients are created by our bodies.
Energy providing nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They nutrients are broken down in the body’s digestive system and turned into energy. Nutrients that support metabolism include dietary minerals, vitamins, and water.
The following are short description of the major classifications of nutrients:
The Carbohydrates
Sugars, starches, and fiber are the nutrients classified as complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the main ingredient of foods such as wheat, rice, corn, noodles, bread and other grain-based products. They are an important part of our daily diet, but carbohydrates can have a detrimental effect on our health if consumed in large quantities. Simple carbohydrates are highly processed. They include sugars and starches and can have seriously negative effects on our health when consumed in large amounts.
Fiber
Fiber is also a carbohydrate and can be classified as either soluble or insoluble. Fiber is found in foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts. Fiber has many health benefits and improves digestion in several ways by moving food along the digestive tract and slowing the absorption of sugar, which helps lower blood glucose levels to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The Proteins
The things that make up our muscles, hair, and skin are provided by proteins. Proteins are made up of amino acids. They also create enzymes, which are required by our bodies to control chemical reactions.
Fats
Fats can be classified as either saturated or unsaturated. Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature. These fats are the basis of animal fats. Unsaturated fats are usually liquid at room temperature and are what composes most vegetable oils. Unsaturated fats are usually more healthy than saturated fats. Unsaturated fats can be further broken down into omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids. Trans-fats are unsaturated fats that have been “hydrogenated” and become solid at room temperature. Trans-fats have a negative effect on our health. They are the most unhealthy types of fats.
The Vitamins
Most vitamins can’t be created in our bodies. They are considered essential nutrients and must be eaten either in our food or in dietary supplements. Many diseased can occur as a result of vitamin deficiencies – among them are cancer, immune system weaknesses, and osteoporosis.
The Minerals
Substances not found in organic tissue but that are required nutrients are called minerals. Among the primary minerals we consume are sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Supplements are one way of adding minerals to our diet.
Most foods contain a mixture of the various nutrient classes. While most nutrients are stored inside out bodies many others have to be taken in on a fairly regular basis. A deficiency of the required nutrients can lead to poor health. Swiss Sciences Nutrition recommends a well balanced diet which contains an ample amount of the required nutrients. Some of the highest quality nutritional advice, information, and products are provided by Swiss Sciences Nutrition. Swiss Sciences nutrition supplies written materials and books providing the added benefit of educational material to help in the quest for healthy weight loss.
Swiss Sciences nutrition is the creator and marketer of some of the highest quality weight loss products in the world. Swiss Sciences nutrition supplies written materials and books providing the added benefit of educational material to help in the quest for healthy weight loss.
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