Nutrition and foods can be broadly divided into two parts which are macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are the largest and most common food group that is eaten which are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Micronutrients are food components that are required in small quantities which is made up of vitamins and minerals.
Other than that, there are also other food components such as phytochemicals, fibres, liquid (water), alcohol and other components.
Carbohydrates, Carbohydrates in its simplest form is also known as sugar. Since Carboyhdrates is made up from Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen. It is a valuable if not a primary source for providing energy in our body. It produces energy through the oxidation of sugar, the process known as Glycolysis. We will study about carbohydrates further in the next posts.
Protein is very important for growth as it is the building blocks of muscles. Individuals growing without getting enough will be stunted because protein makes up muscles, enzymes, hormones and many other components. it is responsible for our hair colour and our skin colour too.
Fat, also known as lipids, it is a great source of energy and insulation to our body. Fats in the form of triglycerides is readily available in many food. Sadly accumulation of fat is the primary cause of obesity and many diseases, accumulation of fat in our body can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Vitamins and minerals are substances that are required by our body to function optimally. Although required only in a very small amount. It is essential!
There are also other food components used by our body to prevent many possible diseases. For instance, Vitamin C is required for healthy immune system, collagen synthesis and also acts as antioxidants. Minerals such as iron is required for blood formation. Phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, anthocyanins - which belongs to polyphenols - These are actually chemical compounds found in plants that are required to neutralise toxic elements in our body. For example antioxidants which are found abundantly in many green plants can counter attack the superoxides in our body, which can cause cancer in a long term.
Fibres are also worth mentioning in this section, as it behaves almost like a "sweep" that cleanses up all the clogged parts in our bowel and intestines. Because it cannot be digested, it helps in digestion by carrying and absorbing the remains of food that are not absorbed by our body to be thrown away.
At last but not least is water, the most essential substance for our body besides oxygen. Without water, our body could not really function. Water replenishes the fluid that is lost throughout the day, through sweating, evaporation and excretion. It dilutes harmful chemicals, and helps to neutralize toxic and excretion of toxic substance. Inside cells, water acts as a medium that enables metabolic and chemical processes to happen.
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