Dear margaret10-ga,
For the human, nutrients are substances that must be obtained in the
diet because the body either cannot make them or cannot make
sufficient amounts of them. The essential nutrients are carbohydrates,
fats and oils, proteins, minerals, vitamins and water.
Carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are the main source of the body's energy. The liver
breaks down carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar), which is used
for energy by the body.
Fats and Oils.
Fats and oils are a concentrated source of energy. They also provide
vitamins, make up part of the body cells, and help maintain body
temperature.
Minerals.
The body require certain inorganic minerals to keep it healthy and
help build structural components. Some minerals act as catalytic
agents in many body reactions. Foods vary on the type of mineral and
amount they provide. Required minerals include iron, phosphorus.
calcium, sodium, potassium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, and copper.
Proteins.
Proteins contain amino acids which are necessary for growth, and
muscle and tissue repair.
Vitamins.
Vitamins are required for growth and health. They assist in
maintaining normal metabolism, growth and development, and regulation
of cell function. Each vitamin has a particular role to play in the
body. Foods contain vitamins and excess or lack of a particular food
can cause in-balance in the human body.
Water.
Water is 60% of a adult?s weight. Exercise, and you begin to
dehydrate; this affects your body and organs, and can lead to serious
illness or even death. Water is required to carry out chemical
reactions, regulate body temperature, serves as joint lubricant and
helps eliminate wastes.
Sources for this answer were:
US National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002399.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002471.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002469.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002467.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002468.htm
LinksNorth
http://www.linksnorth.com/nutrition/nutrients.html
I hope this answers your question. If it does not, or the answer is
unclear, then please ask for clarification of this research before
rating the answer. I shall respond to the clarification request as
soon as I receive it.
Thank you
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