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A nutrient is any substance that an organism needs to survive, grow, and reproduce. All animals, plants, and microbes must consume nutrient-rich foods in order to survive. Learn more about the types of nutrients found in the human diet. Here are the most important nutrients for human health and survival. Listed below are the five main nutrients for human health: Sources of nutrients Traditionally, organic sources have provided crops with many of their necessary nutrients. These sources are now considered major sources of nutrients in the USA. They are broadly categorized into crop residues, animal manures, green manures, urban wastes, and biologically fixed N2. A recent study focuses on the nutrient composition of Canadian diets. It included 1,543 participants from across Canada. Dietitians interviewed the subjects about their diets and nutritional status. The study found that the sources of nutrients in the diet of people aged 18 to 65 years varied. For example, adults aged 18 to 34 reported eating more convenience foods and prepared foods, while those between 35 and 65 years contributed primarily to energy and fat intake through grains, pasta, and fluid milk. Functions of nutrients Our body needs water, food, oxygen, and a healthy nervous system to stay alive. Each of the nutrients we ingest serves one of three main functions. Some are essential for our health, while others help us build our body's various parts. A balanced diet provides all these important elements. Each nutrient has one of three basic functions: it contributes to the structure of the body, regulates chemical processes in our body, or supports the body's functions. Basically, each of the nutrients our bodies need to function properly is listed below. Among the most essential nutrients are water and vitamins. Water is comprised of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Water makes up 60% of our body weight, and is essential for chemical reactions, organ cushioning, and body temperature regulation. A person needs to consume two liters of water per day. Water is necessary for all bodily functions, including blood cell formation, digestion, and metabolism. Getting sufficient amounts of water each day is important for all human beings, as it provides the body with essential compounds to maintain its health. In addition to vitamins, minerals are also essential for our health. Minerals and trace elements can help boost our immune systems and shore up our bones. Vitamins help us use food for energy, repair cellular damage, and convert it into energy. Carbohydrates are a type of nutrient and can be either simple or complex. Proteins and fats, on the other hand, are the macronutrients. Each nutrient has a unique role to play in the body. Macronutrients You may have heard about the importance of a balanced diet and the importance of dietary macronutrients. However, not all macronutrients are created equal. The proportion of different macronutrients in your diet can impact your blood sugar levels, energy levels, and even your eating habits. To understand which macronutrients are best for you, think of what you eat more of: carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. Whole grains, legumes, and leafy greens contain lots of fiber. Lean meats, fatty fish, and plant-based proteins like beans, peas, and lentils are excellent choices for proteins. Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel source and provide energy for the central nervous system and muscles during movement. Wohlford recommends that we eat 45-65% of our daily calories from carbohydrates. Protein is another macronutrient that is essential to our health. It plays an essential role in metabolism and hormonal regulation, and helps maintain acid-base balance. Protein also has many other important functions in the body. In addition to providing energy, protein is involved in the metabolism of our body and regulates our hormones and enzyme systems. When it comes to food,macronutrients andmicronutrients are essential for human health. The human body cannot function without the proper balance of these nutrients. They are present in the largest amounts in plant tissues. In addition to proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are essential for growth and metabolism. It is important to include all of these macronutrients in our diet. There are different sources of these macronutrients. The following are some of the main types of foods and their macronutrient compositions. Micronutrients Although you may not be aware of it, there are several micronutrients in the human diet. Vitamins and minerals are co-enzymes and help with chemical reactions in the body. For example,vitamin B3 is essential for cellular energy production, as it is necessary for the formation of NAD, an electron transporter. People who are active need more micronutrients than people who are less active. In addition, people who are trying to lose weight need to be aware of micronutrients in their diet and consider changing their eating habits to include more of these foods. There are dozens of micronutrients in the human body. These micronutrients play vital roles in the human body, from the growth of cells and metabolism to the production of hormones and enzymes. Specific micronutrient deficiencies can lead to disorders, including poor digestion, thyroid problems, bone loss, and mental impairment. Micronutrients are also classified into two main groups: vitamins and minerals. The official definition of vitamin is an organic substance necessary in small amounts and minerals are inorganic substances found in nature. Zinc, selenium, and copper are some of the micronutrients that your body needs. Zinc helps regulate blood sugar levels and is essential for fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Selenium helps the thyroid gland produce DNA. The best source of zinc is whole grains and poultry. Selenium is also important for your immune system. You can add these to your daily diet to improve your health. For more information on these micronutrients, visit the Nutritional Supplements & Nutrients Guide. Phytonutrients Plants produce a wide variety of bioactive compounds known as phytonutrients. These compounds are bioactive components of plants and play a role in human health. Phytonutrients are broken down into various categories based on their chemical structure. Listed below are some of the most common phytonutrients. In addition to the polyphenols, these compounds are also classified as bioflavonoids and lignans. Phytonutrients act as antioxidants that help protect the body from harmful free radicals. Free radicals damage the body's healthy cells, so the body needs to maintain a healthy balance. Phytonutrients act as antioxidants by neutralizing unpaired electrons on harmful molecules. In addition to protecting the body against damage caused by free radicals, phytonutrients are also powerful antioxidants, so they can protect cells and promote health. Phytonutrients can be found in a wide variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables. Oranges, berries, and tomatoes contain carotenoid compounds. Flavonoids are another large group of phytonutrients and include kaempferol and quercetin. These phytonutrients are found in almost all fruits and vegetables, but are particularly abundant in green leafy vegetables, onions, and tomatoes. Flavonoids protect the body from oxidative damage and may even protect the body from cancer. Orange netted melons, for example, are a rich source of phytonutrients, and are considered the richest fruit in vitamins and elemental micronutrients. Not only are they nutritious, but they also taste great! Whether you're trying to lose weight or want to increase your intake of phytonutrients, make sure to eat a variety of plant-based foods every day. For the most benefit, eat fruits and vegetables in all the different colors. Inorganic nutrients A wide variety of inorganic nutrients are essential for life on earth. They include all types of elements, nutrients, and chemicals, and are not carbon-based. The following list is a summary of what these nutrients do for life. Boron is one of the most important nutrients for plants, as it is needed to maintain the cell integrity of most vascular plants. Potassium is another important inorganic nutrient, which is required by most algae and other organisms. Both kinds of nutrients have different functions. Organic nutrients feed the soil and plant, while inorganic nutrients are directly absorbed by the plant. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals. Macronutrients include protein, fats, and carbohydrates. While plants require both types of nutrients, we require more of the former. For example, the human body needs only a small amount of vitamins. Plants cannot produce these essentialnutrients on their own. Inorganic nutrients also play an important role in the distribution of plants and animals. Plants get most of their inorganic nutrients from the soil, and their distribution depends on the pH and structure of the soil. Animals, in turn, follow the food source through the environment. And as plants grow and spread, they are able to provide nutrients for more organisms. They help plants grow. So, inorganic nutrients can provide a valuable supplement to a garden.