1. Nutrition for Wellness
Do you know the type of nutrients a person should
consume in order to have a healthy diet?
2. Nutrients
• Nutrients: Are chemicals that are necessary for an organism to
live and grow. Its also a chemical that can be used in an
organism metabolism.
• Function: Nutrients are used to build and repair tissues,
convert energy and regulate our body processes. These
compounds are essential and are obtained from an outside
source.
• Nutrients that are used in large quantities are called
macronutrients . Nutrients in small quantities are called
micronutrients.
3. Macronutrients
Macronutrients- The primary compounds are protein, fat and
carbohydrates.
Proteins: Are made up of standard amino acids such as
alanine, tryptophan and histidine.
Fat: This is where we find saturated, monosaturated,
polysaturated fats and other essential fatty acids.
Carbohydrates: This compound contains starches and
sugars, like fructose, galactose, glucose and other carbs.
4. Micronutrients
Micronutrients- These chemical compounds are essential just as
macronutrients, but less consumption is required. These nutrients
are used throughout our life span and are responsible for assisting
the body’s physiological functions.
Micronutrients consist of macrominerals, vitamins or trace
elements such as iron, cobalt, copper and many more. These are
required in small quantities since organism cannot produce them
with an external source.
5. Importance of Nutrients
• Good nutrition is essential because the foods we eat provide us
with energy to keep our body functioning.
• Carbohydrates are the main nutrients used to give us our energy.
Carbs like sugar and starches are the easiest to digest and
breakdown, using glucose as its favorite form of energy.
Poor nutrition can have negative effects on a persons potential
growth and development. Unhealthy diets can put a person at
greater risk for the following diseases: Type 2 diabetes, heart
disease, high blood pressure, cancer and many more. These
diseases can be life-threatening but modifying your lifestyle choice
can improve your health and decrease chance of disease.
