The human body is incapable of producing what it requires to operate properly. We get all that we need from food. In order to sustain maximum health, humans must receive six essential nutrients from food sources. Micronutrients and Macronutrients are the two main categories these nutrients can be classified into. Read on to explore this further.
What is the difference between macro and micronutrients?
Micronutrients are essential nutrients that humans require in significant amounts. Water, protein, carbs, and fats are the four primary classifications for them. Micronutrients are trace levels of nutrients that the body needs. Although the body only requires a little quantity, a lack of it might be damaging to your health. It has two further classifications: vitamins and minerals.
1. Water: The most essential nutrient for humans is water. Water is designated as an essential nutrient since it is required in higher quantities than the body can produce. A human can only survive for a few days without water. Dehydration, even minor dehydration, can cause headaches as well as a decrease in physical and mental function. The bulk of the human body is made up of water, and every cell needs it to operate properly.
It has a variety of functions, including but not limited to:
- increasing energy
- assisting in weight reduction
- improving digestion
- detoxification
- hydrating the skin
2. Protein: A macronutrient that is required for the normal functioning of every cell in the body. Proteins serve a number of functions, including but not limited to:
- guaranteeing muscle, bone, hair, and skin growth and development
- generating antibodies, hormones, and other vital compounds
- acting as a fuel source for cells and tissues as needed
3. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates comprise sugars and starches. They provide energy to all of the body's cells and tissues, which in turn, provides the whole body with the energy required to perform the diverse tasks in life we all know and love.
Simple and difficult carbohydrates are the two types of carbohydrates. Complex carbs have longer chains of sugar molecules that take longer to break down and so provide energy for longer amounts of time.
Carbohydrates are required by the body to maintain the following functions:
- the mechanism of defense
- mental processes and regulation
- the core of the nervous system
- energy exchange
- the digestive process
4. Fats: Fats are essential fatty acids that help the body absorb certain vitamins and minerals. A high-fat diet has been linked to bad health, but not all fats are bad for you. In fact, some fats are crucial to maintain good health.
Because your body cannot manufacture or operate without them, they are referred to as "essential nutrients." They play a role in brain development, inflammatory control, and blood coagulation.
Fats are the body’s energy reserves and help with a number of functions. However, eating good fats such as omega-3 fats while limiting or eliminating saturated and trans fats is crucial.
5. Vitamins: We've all heard about vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B-12, and so on. They help our bodies by performing the following tasks:
- improving immune function
- aiding in the prevention or delay of some malignancies, such as cancers
- strengthens teeth and bones
- assists calcium absorption
- maintains healthy skin
- assists the body's metabolization of proteins and carbohydrates
- supports healthy blood
- assists brain and nervous system function
6. Minerals: The second type of micronutrient is minerals. Minerals are divided into two categories: major and minor minerals. For maximum health, the body needs a balance of minerals from both categories. We require them for the following reasons:
- maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails
- balancing water levels
- improving the health of your bones