Types of macro minerals and their uses: CalciumĪs we all know, calcium is essential when it comes to bone and teeth formation. Trace minerals typically include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium. Unfortunately, many people simply do not eat enough natural food to get all their vitamins. Luckily, macrominerals are easily accessible from natural foods. You need macrominerals in a larger amount than trace minerals. Both types of minerals are equally important, but the main difference is in how much your body needs of them. Minerals can generally be divided into two categories: macrominerals and trace minerals. We get most of our minerals through nutrients in food, so it’s important to know what each mineral does for your body. They are mostly co-factors, and are necessary for the function of enzymes in the body, but are needed only in minor quantities.Īpproximately 4% of the body’s mass consists of minerals.Just like water and air, your body needs minerals to keep you healthy. Microminerals include Copper, Zinc, Cobalt, Chromium and Fluoride. Macrominerals are needed in more amounts, as compared to microminerals. Iron is a constituent of Haemoglobin which is present in blood. Macrominerals present in the body include Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Sodium and Magnesium to name a few. They are further classified into macrominerals and microminerals (or trace minerals). Minerals – are found in ionized form in the body. Green leafy vegetables, milk and dairy products and plant oils provide these vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins are Vitamin A, D, E and K. Green leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin B, whereas Vitamin C is found abundantly in citrus fruits. Water soluble vitamins include Vitamin B and C. Water soluble vitamins are excreted in urine when in excess and so need to be taken daily. Fat soluble Vitamins can be stored in the fatty tissues in the body when in excess. Vitamins are either fat soluble or water-soluble. They work together with enzymes and other substances that are necessary for a healthy life. Vitamins – are essential for normal metabolism, growth and development, and regulation of cell function. Micronutrients do not function for the provision of energy. Their main function is to enable the many chemical reactions to occur in the body. Together, they are extremely important for the normal functioning of the body. Unlike macronutrients, these are required in very minute amounts. These nutrients include minerals and vitamins. Water is completely essential for the body’s metabolism and is also required for lubricant and shock absorber. It is also a compulsory agent in the regulation of body temperature and ionic balance of the blood. Water serves as a carrier, distributing nutrients to cells and removing wastes through urine. The body needs more water every day than any other nutrient and we replenish it through foods and liquids we eat and drink. Water – makes up a large part of our body weight and is the main component of our body fluids. As for carbohydrates, proteins also provide 4 calories per gram. In cases of extreme starvation, the muscles in the body, that are made up of proteins, are used to provide energy. They are the last to be used of all macronutrients. Proteins – they provide amino acids and make up most of the cell structure including the cell membrane. Extra fat is stored in adipose tissue and is burnt when the body has run out of carbohydrates. When measured by a calorimeter, fats provide about 9 calories per gram of fat, making them twice as energy-rich than protein and carbohydrates. Fats have the highest caloric content and provide the largest amount of energy when burnt. Carbohydrates are also important for fat oxidation and can also be converted into protein.įats – are used in making steroids and hormones and serve as solvents for hormones and fat soluble vitamins. When in excess, it is stored in the liver as Glycogen. The brain works entirely on glucose alone. Macronutrients (except water) are also called energy-providing nutrients.Įnergy is measured in calories and is essential for the body to grow, repair and develop new tissues, conduct nerve impulses and regulate life process.Ĭarbohydrates – are required for energy and provide body’s main source of energy (4 calories per gram) they form the major part of stored food in the body for later use of energy and exist in three form: sugar, starch and fiber. They normally include water, carbohydrates, fat and protein. Macronutrients are needed in larger quantities (in gram range).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |