We all know that the food we eat provides us with essential nutrients. In this video, we’re going to talk about the six basic nutrients you get from your food and their important functions in your body. Let’s dive in!
Water
First up, we have water, which makes up more than 60% of our body.
Even if you decide to go on a diet and skip meals, you can survive for a while. But you won’t last long without water!
Every organ in your body needs water to function properly. It helps your brain work, cleanses your body of toxins, and keeps your cells hydrated. Additionally, water is crucial for digestion.
If you don’t drink enough water, you might experience constipation and dehydration. This can affect both your mental and physical performance, making you feel tired and reducing your ability to concentrate.
So, make sure you’re drinking enough water every day!
Vitamins
Next, let’s talk about vitamins.
These nutrients help keep diseases at bay and maintain your health. Without an adequate supply of vitamins, your body struggles to fight off microorganisms.
There are about 13 types of vitamins your body needs, but four are particularly essential: Vitamins A, B6, C, and D. A deficiency in any of these can lead to various health issues, such as low blood pressure, skin problems, vision issues, and weakness.
On the flip side, getting enough vitamins can strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of diseases, including certain cancers. Vitamins are also packed with antioxidants, which are great for your health.
Did you know that vitamins can even play a role in your longevity?
Protein
Now, let’s discuss protein, the nutrient that often gets a lot of attention.
Nutritionists frequently recommend foods high in protein, like meat, eggs, and certain grains. So, why is protein so popular? Because it’s the building block of your body!
Protein makes up about 16% of your body weight and is found in your bones, muscles, skin, hair, and even your cells. Hormones and antibodies are also composed of proteins. In short, you can’t live without it!
Proteins are made of different types of amino acids, and your body needs them to function properly. That’s why nutritionists emphasize the importance of protein in your diet, even if you’re trying to lose weight.
So, next time someone suggests scrambled eggs for breakfast, take that advice! They’re looking out for your health.
Fats
Now onto fats—the nutrient you might want to avoid. But maybe you shouldn’t avoid it altogether.
While too much fat can lead to health issues like high blood pressure and heart problems, fats are also crucial for your body. According to a study from Harvard Medical School, fats help absorb other nutrients and play a vital role in building cells.
Additionally, healthy fats can improve muscle movement. Instead of completely avoiding fat, focus on consuming it in moderation and burning off those extra calories.
This approach can actually decrease your risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes!
Minerals
Next, we have minerals.
When we think of minerals, calcium often comes to mind, but we shouldn’t forget about iron and zinc. So, what do these minerals do for your body?
- Calcium is essential for strong bones and helps transmit nerve signals throughout your body. It also plays a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle contractions.
- Zinc boosts your healing process, improves metabolism, and strengthens your immune system, increasing your resistance to diseases.
- Iron is crucial for creating red blood cells and plays an important role in hormone production.
Carbohydrates
Last but not least, let’s talk about carbohydrates.
While many people are shifting toward low-carb diets, carbohydrates are still one of the most important nutrients for your body. They serve as fuel for your brain and central nervous system.
To keep your brain and nervous system functioning well, you need a healthy amount of carbs. So, while it’s wise to monitor your carb intake, don’t eliminate them completely from your diet!
Are You Consuming Your Nutrients?
Are you getting enough of these nutrients in your diet? Do you drink enough water every day? Let us know in the comments—we would love to hear from you!