Things You Should Know About Macro-nutrients

Introduction

Nutrients are chemical substances that are required for the proper functioning of cells, tissues and different organs in all living organism. Nutrients are compounds which provide nourishment essential for growth and maintenance of the body.

There are two different types of nutrients essential for the body:  

• Macro-nutrients - The nutrients that are required by the body in greater amounts are known as macro-nutrients.

• Micro-nutrients - The nutrients that are essential for the body in lesser amounts are known as micro-nutrients

 

Macro-nutrients 

The plant-based nutrients which are essential in large quantities as our body cannot produce by its self. These macro-nutrients providing energy and supports the different metabolic system, growth, and development of the body. Macro-nutrients include fats, proteins,  carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.  

Proteins - 

Proteins are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They also contain some amount of nitrogen. Each protein is made up of amino acids which are linked to each other like beads in a necklace. They are required for the growth and maintenance of the body. 

Carbohydrates - 

Carbohydrates are sugars that break down into glucose. Carbohydrates have a protein sparing effect, i.e., instead of proteins, our body uses carbohydrates as a source of energy. 

Fats - 

Fats are made up of a collection of molecules known as triglycerides. They are essential for growth, development and cell functions. They help maintain the core temperature of the body and also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vit. A, D, E and K.

Fats are classified into saturated fat, unsaturated fat and trans fat. Unsaturated fats are further divided into monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated (omega 6 and omega 3) fats. Unsaturated fats are good for us whereas we should limit the consumption of saturated and Trans fats.

Conclusion

The excessive consumption or the deficiency of both the macro and micro-nutrients have a negative impact on the health. Therefore, it is important to have a balanced diet which includes an equal and required quantity of both macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients.

Read More information about Macro-nutrients by Ms. Mamta Rajshekhar Wanjare , Assistant Professor, E&TC Department AISSMS Institute Of Information Technology.