The six essential classes of nutrients include vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and water. The human body cannot produce all the substances that it requires to function. The six classes of nutrients that people consume in their diets are essential in maintaining optimal health.
Vitamins
Vitamins are micronutrients that offer a range of health benefits, including maintaining healthy skin, strengthening teeth and bones, and supporting healthy blood. They primarily boost the immune system. Vitamins aid in maintaining long term health as they comprise of diets that have no health effects (Whitney & Rolfes, 2018). These foods include vegetables and fruits, among others.
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Minerals
Minerals are other micronutrients. There are two categories of minerals, major and trace minerals. For optimal health, the body needs to balance both groups of minerals. Minerals include phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and sulfur, among others. Diets with minerals include seafood, red meat, and fruits. Functions of minerals include strengthening bones, preventing tooth decay, and aiding in blood clotting (Whitney & Rolfes, 2018). They as well aid in ensuring long-term health by supporting healthy blood pressure, balancing water levels, and improving bone health.
Protein
Every cell in the body needs protein to function correctly. Functions of proteins include ensuring the growth and development of skin, hair, bones, and muscles. They aswell serve as fuel sources for tissues and cells. Foods reach rich in proteins include poultry, including turkey, and chicken, red meats, beans, and legumes, and nuts (Whitney & Rolfes, 2018). Proteins ensure long-term health by forming antibodies and hormones.
Fats
Fats are always associated with adverse health, but that is not the case since they are crucial nutrients needed by the body. Fats help with cell growth, building new cells, blood clotting, and reducing the risks of heart diseases (Whitney & Rolfes, 2018). They ensure long term health as they aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are starches and sugars that provide energy to the body cells and tissues. They aid in supporting the immune system, nervous system, brain function, and digestive function. The foods that contain carbohydrates include vegetables, oatmeal, barley, fruits, vegetables, and brown rice (Whitney & Rolfes, 2018). These minerals ensure long term health by providing energy to perform different body tasks.
Water
Water is the essential nutrient needed by the body. A person cannot survive beyond a few days before consuming water. The human body is mostly made up of water, as every cell requires water to function. Functions of water include flushing toxins outs, transporting nutrients, and shock absorption, among others (Whitney & Rolfes, 2018). The best water to drink is natural water and unsweetened water from bottled sources. Water enhances long-term health as it avoids hydration and lubrication.
References
Whitney, E. N., & Rolfes, S. R. (2018). Understanding nutrition . Cengage Learning.
