How many types of nutrients are there?
There are more than 40 different kinds of nutrients in food and they can generally be classified into the following 7 major groups:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Dietary fibre
- Water
Why are they essential to our body?
Each of the 7 major groups of nutrients performs different and unique functions in our body, which are all essential in a balanced diet because they work together and contribute to our good health. The main functions of these nutrients can be summarized below:
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a major source of energy of our body, and they come mainly from grains, such as rice and noodles. Besides, other foods such as fruit, root vegetables, dry beans and dairy products also contain carbohydrates.
Proteins
Meat, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy products, dry beans and bean products are good sources of protein. Its major functions include building, repairing and maintaining healthy body tissues.
Fats
Fats can be found in foods such as meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds and edible oils. Fats serve as a kind of energy source. They prevent heat loss in extreme cold weather and protect organs against shock. They are responsible for making up part of our body cells and transporting fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K.
Vitamins
There are many kinds of vitamins from various food groups and they participate in different body metabolism such as maintaining healthy skin and hair, building bones and releasing and utilizing energy from foods. Vitamins can be classified into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.
Minerals
Minerals are a group of essential nutrients which regulate many body functions such as fluid balance, muscle contraction and transmission of nerve impulses. Some minerals are structural component of the body, such as calcium in bones and teeth.
Dietary fibre
Dietary fibre is the indigestible part found in plant. It helps stablise blood sugar, promote gastrointestinal health and prevent constipation. Dietary fibre can be classified into soluble and insoluble fibre.
Water
Water is the most abundant substance in human body and is also an essential nutrient to maintain our health. The major functions of water include regulation of body temperature, production of body fluids, transportation of nutrients and removal of waste products.
Each nutrient performs different functions in our body, they all work together and contribute to our good health by having a balanced diet.
FAQs
These are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. It is important that everyone consumes these seven nutrients on a daily basis to help them build their bodies and maintain their health.
What is classification of protective nutrition? ›
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
These foods help the body to fight diseases and are called protective foods. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals include fruits such as mangoes, oranges, pawpaw and bananas and vegetables like kale, cabbages, carrots, amaranth, and black nightshade.
What are the six classes of nutrients? ›
There are six basic nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. All of these are classified as essential. Your body requires essential nutrients to function properly. These nutrients must be obtained from the foods you eat; your body cannot make them on its own.
What are the 12 categories of food? ›
Table 1 describes the composition of these 12 nutrient-specific food groups: (1) grains; (2) milk and milk products; (3) fruit and fruit products; (4) eggs; (5) meat and poultry; (6) fish= shellfish; (7) vegetables; (8) fats=oils; (9) legumes= nuts=seeds; (10) sugar and sugar products; (11) non-alco- holic beverages; ...
What are 7 major categories of food? ›
Healthy Eating As You Age: Know Your Food Groups
- Vegetables.
- Fruits.
- Grains.
- Protein Foods.
- Dairy.
- Oils & Solid Fats.
- Added Sugars.
- Beverages.
Top 10 Foods for Health
- Whole grains. ...
- Beans and lentils. ...
- Fish. ...
- Berries. ...
- Winter squash. ...
- Soy. ...
- Flaxseed, nuts and seeds. ...
- Organic yogurt. Men and women between 19 and 50 years of age need 1000 milligrams of calcium a day and 1200 milligrams if 50 or older.
Tips for eating more plant foods
Pulses such as lentils, peas and beans all count towards your 5 A DAY. Grains and cereals such as rice, oats, pasta, bread, couscous and unsweetened breakfast cereals. Opt for wholegrain varieties and limit highly processed foods, such as cakes and pastries.
Why is the food pyramid not used anymore? ›
In response to the growing obesity crisis, the USDA was forced to back away from the Food Pyramid and in 2011 introduced MyPlate.
Is banana a detox fruit? ›
High in potassium, bananas aid in flushing out excess sodium and water from the body. They are also a source of resistant starch, which can help alleviate constipation and reduce bloating.
Which disease is caused by vitamin deficiency? ›
These include, but are not limited to, Protein Energy Malnutrition, Scurvy, Rickets, Beriberi, Hypocalcemia, Osteomalacia, Vitamin K Deficiency, Pellagra, Xerophthalmia, and Iron Deficiency.
The Best Foods to Eat for More Energy
- Oatmeal.
- Bananas.
- Greek Yogurt.
- Sweet Potatoes.
- Eggs.
- Beets.
- Almonds.
- Chia Seeds.
Water is the most important nutrient for your body. It makes up about 60% of your body. Proper water levels are needed in your body for transporting nutrients, regulating our body temperature, maintaining your blood pressure, expelling toxins and for lubricating your joints, and so much more.
What foods are naturally high in protein? ›
eggs. dairy products – milk, yoghurt (especially Greek yoghurt), cheese (especially cottage cheese) nuts (including nut pastes) and seeds – almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, macadamias, hazelnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds. legumes and beans – all beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas, tofu.
What is the most essential nutrient for life? ›
Water. Water is probably the most important essential nutrient that a person needs. A person can only survive a few days without consuming water. Even slight dehydration can cause headaches and impaired physical and mental functioning.
What are the 7 main course meal? ›
7 course meal: A 7 course dinner menu includes an hors d'oeuvre, soup, appetizer, salad, main course, dessert, and mignardise. 6 course meal: A 6 course dinner menu includes an hors d'oeuvre, soup, appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert.
What are the 7 food groups in a food pyramid? ›
Grains and cereals formed the base of the pyramid, fruits and vegetables formed the next layer followed by dairy and meat, beans, and nuts, and the tip of the pyramid included fats, oils and sweets to be used sparingly.
