What Are Macronutrients?
Essential elements and nutrients are imperative for our body to function efficiently. The normal consumption and combination of macronutrients are the secret of healthy living for plants, animals and humans. Through interactions and survey, we have found out that most people do not know the meaning of macronutrients, and that is why they cannot consume it proportionally to help them get the maximum benefits from it.
We need to educate you on the basics which you enable you to understand the subject matter.
You can calculate your daily Macronutrients need with Macro Calculator
The Real Definition of Nutrients
Nutrients can only be defined as constituents that are found in food which any organism, i.e., plants and animal, needs to survive and have adequate growth.
MACRONUTRIENTS
As the name implies, this can be defined as a compound or nutrients. In other words, it is nutrients in a bigger picture. Macronutrients are converted in the body to generate energy which the body uses in metabolism.
MICRONUTRIENTS
Micronutrients can be described as the necessary nutrients which the body needs in smaller amounts. They can also be described as cofactors required for metabolism, critical factor in the development and repair of tissues
Nutrient Assimilation in Plants
The understanding of plants intake of nutrients can be hard because it is a little be complex. The absorption or intake of nutrients occurs through two places in the plants. They are
- The roots and
- Leaves
The roots absorb nutrients from the soil which helps in the development of the plant. The leaves do the nutrient absorption from the atmosphere. The total growth and development of the plant are dependent on all these processes.
The digestive system of animals is designed in a way which helps it to digest macronutrients for energy. Micronutrients are used in the body of the animal for metabolism and anabolism.
We have thoroughly explained all the underlying facts about nutrients, macronutrients and micronutrients and we believe that our readers cannot be confused when we get to the complicated aspect of this subject matter.
COMPOSITION OF FOOD
The food we consume is comprised of three macronutrients. Namely
- CARBOHYDRATES
- PROTEIN
- FATS
For the body to function properly, it needs the combination of the macronutrients and vitamins. We will not undermine the importance of the inorganic chemical compounds which are dietary minerals, water and oxygen. They play important roles in digestion and the body metabolism. To live a healthy life, you must be able to identify foods that contain the different types of macronutrients combining them with minerals and adequate consumption of water.
Among the three sources of macronutrients mentioned above, carbohydrates can be described as the most important because they help to produce and sustain us physically and mentally. Carbohydrates can further be divided into two type, namely;
- The Simple and
- Complex carbohydrates or sugar
The following can be described as simple sugars.
- Honey
- Brown Sugar
- Molasses
- Candies
- Cookies and
- Fruit juice
It’s been found that simple carbohydrates produce more energy than nutrients to the body. Complex carbohydrates which include whole grains, legumes, vegetables and nuts have more vitamins and minerals, and they provide the body with longer lasting energy.
A protein which is another important macronutrient is responsible for building and repairing muscles, tissues, hairs and the red blood cells. Proteins can further be divided into animal and plant proteins. Some of the sources of animal protein are poultry, beef, fish and dairy. The legumes and soy are excellent sources of proteins.
The human body cannot develop properly with fats. They protect the cells and organs and enable the body to absorb necessary vitamins like A, D, E and K.
This article has been developed to give you basic information about macronutrients, its compositions and functions. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends using the social media icons.