Nutrients they are structures that make up food and that are essential for the functioning of the body, providing energy, serving as a raw material, maintaining and repairing body parts and sustaining the growth.
The word nutrient comes from Latin nutrients, in nourish, which means "to feed".
Nutrients are classified into:
- Macronutrients: Water, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, which are needed in larger amounts;
- Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals, needed in small amounts.
Plastic Nutrients
Plastic nutrients are those that serve as raw material in the production and growth of cells and tissues. In this group are proteins, which also have an energy function, water and some minerals.
Energy Nutrients
Energetic nutrients have the function of providing much of the energy needed by the body. In this group are carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
Regulatory Nutrients
Regulating nutrients control the vital functions and play an important role in the proper functioning of the body, controlling fat burning, protein synthesis and bone formation, among other functions. This group includes vitamins, minerals and water.
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