Proper nutrition is the basis of our survival. Our body requires important nutrients to function and National Nutrition Week, celebrated from September 1 to September 7, spreads awareness about how important healthy nourishment is for our body. The Food and Nutrition Board launched National Nutrition Week in 1982 with the idea of spreading the importance of dietary needs and the importance of nutrition. Malnutrition or undernutrition is a huge global burden. About 47 million children under 5 years of age are wasted, 14.3 million are severely wasted and 144 million are stunted, while 38.3 million are overweight or obese, according to WHO. Moreover, about 45% of children die due to undernutrition, usually in low- and middle-income countries. It is critical that more and more people learn about the importance of nutrients. National Nutrition Week 2020: Health Experts Shed Light on Nutrient Deficiencies in Women, Kids. 

What Are Nutrients?

Non-refined, wholesome natural foods contain nutrients that are healthy for the human body. Nutrients are these important compounds present in foods that are essential to life and health. They help in the proper growth and development of our body and help to boost the immune system. Nutrients provide us with energy and act as the building blocks for repair and growth. They also help form the substances necessary to regulate chemical processes in our body. Nutrients are broadly classified into seven major groups: Carbohydrates (CHO), Lipids (fats), Proteins, Vitamins, dietary fibre, Minerals, Water. Here Are The Seven Different Kinds of Nutrient Essential For Our Body:

Carbohydrates

Mainly sugars, starches and fibres, good carbs are usually found in fruits, grains, vegetables etc. While carbohydrates have gained a bad reputation lately as maligned by popular weightloss diets, it is one of the most important food groups.

Proteins

Protein is a macronutrient vital for building muscle mass and fulfil the requirements of our cells to function properly.

Lipids (fats and oils)

Lipids function as energy storehouses for your body, form a part of the structural components of cell membranes, and help to signal molecules. Major types include fats and oils are waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.

Minerals

They come under micronutrients. Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that your body needs in small amounts. The two types of minerals are macrominerals and trace minerals.

Vitamins

Vitamins essential for our body to grow and develop normally. They help our body built and boost its immune system. Vitamins are classified into 13 types such as Vitamin A, B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate)

Dietary fibre

Dietary fibre is extremely essential for our gut health and in turn for weight loss. They are found mainly in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains aiding your bowel movements.

Water

Water is essential for your body to help the cells, organs, and tissues to maintain body temperature and execute bodily functions.  Your body loses water by breathing, sweating, and digestion so it is important to stay hydrated.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2020 09:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).