Nutrients are the chemical components that are present in food substances. They provide
nourishment to the body and play a role in the proper functioning and growth of the
body. We should intake right amount of nutrients regularly as each nutrient plays a
vital role in various functions of the body.
There are five main groups of nutrients, they are:
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Carbohydrates
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Proteins
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Vitamins
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Minerals
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Fat
Depending on the quantity of each nutrient required by our body they are again
classified into two types, they are:
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Macronutrients
-
Micronutrients
Macronutrients:
The nutrients which are required by the body in large amounts are termed as
macronutrients. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals like sodium, calcium,
potassium, phosphorus and magnesium are the macronutrients.
Micronutrients:
The nutrients required by the body in small quantities are called as micronutrients.
They are vitamins, essential fatty acids, and trace elements such as – iron, zinc,
copper, iodine, selenium, chromium and cobalt.