Nutrients: Check Detailed Definition, Types, Functions Here!

Nutrients are the compounds found in food essential for the growth and development of the body. Basically, the food that we eat contains nutrients. These are very essential for the body to perform basic functions. We cannot synthesise nutrients instead need to obtain them from other rich sources. Having a fewer amount of nutrients in the body can lead to poor health conditions. Therefore, it is important to focus on taking balanced nutrients in food to lead a healthy life.

There are two types of nutrients such as micronutrients and macronutrients. The former is the one which is required in less amount and the latter requires nutrients in a large amount. The macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fat, water, etc. And, the micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. Students learn the concept of nutrients in order to understand the essential compounds required for the proper functioning of the body. You can check NCERT Solution for Class 6 Science Chapter 2 for a better understanding. We have provided detailed information on what are nutrients in this article. Read on to find out about nutrients, their types, and their functions.

What Are Nutrients?

Nutrients are the essential compounds required for the proper growth and development of the body. We obtain nutrients from the food we eat. Consuming the right and balanced food helps the body to perform basic functions. Nutrients provide energy for the body to move, breathe and grow. It should be supplied to the body in a suitable amount. Therefore, there are two types of nutrients i.e., Macronutrients and Micronutrients. The macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, water, etc whereas, the micronutrients consist of vitamins and minerals.

We need to understand the importance of a balanced diet which has to be taken in correct proportions. Eating a balanced diet will have a variety of food items, nutrients in the right amount, good health, and proper body weight.

Types of Nutrients

Nutrients are classified into two types: Macronutrients and Micronutrients. Macronutrients provide energy for the proper functioning of the body whereas micronutrients build and repair tissues in the body. They are as follows:

Macronutrients: The nutrients needed in large amounts are called macronutrients. These include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, etc. The nutrients consumed are converted into energy which allows performing work and other basic functions. Also, water is considered to be a macronutrient that is required in large amounts.

Micronutrients: The nutrients needed in a small amount are called micronutrients. These include vitamins and minerals. There are different types of food that provide essential micronutrients in the body. These nutrients play important role in providing energy and building the immune system in the body.

Macronutrients

We cannot synthesize nutrients in the body. Therefore, it has to be taken through food. Some of the important macronutrients are mentioned below:

Carbohydrates: It is one of the most important nutrients for humans. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body in the form of sugar and starch. It is made up of molecules such as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The food sources that consist of carbohydrates are cereals, fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. The intake of carbohydrates provides energy and serves as a building block. It is required for the proper functioning of the body.

Lipids: It is also composed of the same molecules as carbohydrates but is insoluble in water. The food sources that consist of lipids are oils, butter, meat, dairy products, processed foods, etc. Lipid consists of 9 calories for one gram of fat. The main function of lipids is to store energy.

Proteins: Proteins are made of amino acids which are also called building blocks. These are subunits of molecules such as carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. The food sources that consist of protein are meat, eggs, seafood, dairy products, beans, nuts, etc. Proteins provide 4 kilocalories of energy. It helps in strengthening bones, muscles, skin, and other chemical reactions taking place in the body.

Micronutrients

Some of the important micronutrients are mentioned below:

Vitamins: These are organic compounds categorized as water-soluble or fat-soluble. The water-soluble vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12 whereas, the fat-soluble are C, A, D, E, and K. It performs various functions in the body such as building the immune system, nervous system, blood cells, etc. The deficiency of these vitamins can lead to severe health problems.

Minerals: These are inorganic compounds required in small amounts for the proper functioning of the body. These include Sodium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Iron, Iodine, etc. Each element performs a different function in the body. For example, calcium is used for strengthening bones and the sources include, milk, yogurt, fish, green leafy vegetable, etc. Iron is an essential element for red blood cells and the source includes spinach and soybean.

Function of Nutrients

Some of the important functions of nutrients are mentioned below:

1. Provides energy to the body.
2. Maintains the metabolism of body.
3. Strengthens teeth and bones.
4. Maintains healthy skin.
5. Build immune system, nervous system and digestive function.
6. Produces hormones.
7. Reduces risk of diseases.
8. Ensures growth and development

FAQs

The frequently asked question on nutrients are given below:

Q. What are nutrients?
A. Nutrients are the essential compounds required for the proper growth and development of the body.

Q. What are the types of nutrients?
A. The types of nutrients are macronutrients and micronutrients.

Q. What are the types of macronutrients?
A. The types of macronutrients are carbohydrates, protein, lipid, water, etc.

Q. What are the types of micronutrients?
A. The types of micronutrients are vitamins and minerals.

Q. What are the 7 nutrients?
A. The most important 7 nutrients are listed below:
(i) Carbohydrates.
(ii) Proteins.
(iii) Fats.
(iv) Vitamins.
(v) Minerals.
(vi) Dietary fibre.
(vii) Water.

We have now provided you with detailed information on What are Nutrients which will help you a lot for your examination preparation. Understand the topics first and try to have practical knowledge of the concepts studied. Side-by-side, make the best use of the solutions provided here and master the chapter.

We hope this article on nutrients helps you. If you have any questions, feel to post them in the comment box below. We will get back to you at the earliest.