Proper nutritional diet plays an important role in human’s
health and well-being. We cannot deny the significance of nutritious diet
through-out the entire life-cycle. Quality nutrition in terms of type and
amount is the foundation of good health. Diet experts and physicians emphasize
the significance of healthy diet in improving overall human health. An adequate
diet that offers all necessary micronutrients not only contribute in promoting
healthy life style but also reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type II
diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular problems and manymore.
Various studies reveal that almost 50% of hospitalized
patients suffer from lack of micronutrients. There is a strong connection
between the prevention, treatment and management of the disease and disability.
So it is important to know the basics of nutritional diet that everyone needs
to have for leading a healthy lifestyle.
Classification of
Necessary Nutrients
Nutrients are categorized into six major categories:
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
- Vitamins
- Mineral
- Water
Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are known as
energy-yielding and tissue-building macronutrients, whereas the vitamins and
minerals are grouped as micronutrients.
Now let’s discuss each of them individually:
CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen when
merged together to form tiny molecules like monosaccharides and disaccharides
which are actually sugars and large polysaccharide molecules.
FATS
Fats are comprised of oils which contain carbon, hydrogen
and oxygen but the proportion of oxygen is much less as compared to that
present in carbohydrates. Food fats are generally present in the form of triglycerides,
a compound mainly comprised of fatty acids esterified to a glycerol base. It is
accumulated in the adipose tissues of the body and discharges free fatty acids
into the blood circulation when hydrolyzed by enzymes.
PROTEINS
Proteins consist of the chain of amino acids connected
together to form high molecular weight compounds along with carbon, hydrogen and
oxygen. Amino acids are related to a particular arrangement to make peptide
chains that are more related to form specific proteins.
VITAMINS
Vitamins are basically organic compounds which work as
coenzymes and are involved in enzymatic responses included in the formation of
energy and the cells generation. These responses are essential for the
well-being and health of body tissues.
MINERALS
Minerals are the inorganic compounds that play their role in
enzymatic reactions within the body. The minerals are involved in energy formation
and tissue structuring and also aid in strengthening components of bone and
other body tissues.
WATER
Water is not only highly significant for body day to day body
processes, it is also for numerous biochemical reactions in the body which
include production of energy and tissue formation.
Proper nutritional diet is of extreme importance for a
person’s overall health.
