NUTRITION

DEFINITION OF NUTRITION

The process by which organisms take in and utilize food material. And the processes by which the organism ingest, absorbs, transports, utilizes and excretes food substances.

Nutrients

TYPES

1. MACRONUTRIENTS: Are nutrients that provide calories ( energy).

2. MICRONUTRIENTS: As opposed to macronutrients, are comprised of vitamins and minerals which are required in small quantities to ensure normal metabolism, growth and physical well well-being.

 Macronutrients

The main function of macronutrients is to give energy to the body.

CARBOHYDRATES	PROTEINS	LIPIDS
The main function of carbohydrates is to provide energy to the body, especially the brain and nervous system.	Protein is found in every living cell in the body. Our bodies need protein from the food we eat to build and maintain bones, muscles and skin.	Fat is a source of energy and helps the body absorb vitamins.

Micronutrients

VITAMINS: Organic substance found in food and in small quantities, is essential for the development of the metabolism of living beings.

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B6, B12
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

MINERALS: Minerals are chemical elements essential for normal  metabolic functioning.

They play an important role in the body because they are necessary for the development of tissues, synthesis of hormones and in most of the chemical reactions in which the enzymes involved.

• Zinc
• Iron
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium