Seven major nutrient types consist our entire diet and nourishment. Nutrition is one of the characteristics of the living organisms. Every living being has to take daily some amount of nutritious materials, depending on the age, size, gender and activities.

There are seven major nutrient types:

  1. Proteins
  2. Carbohydrates
  3. Fats
  4. Fibers
  5. Water
  6. Vitamins
  7. Minerals

Out of these we differentiate these who are in the macronutrient group and those that are in micronutrient group. In macronutrient group there are proteins, carbohydrates and fats (which give us the energy), and fibers and water (which don’t give the energy).

Micronutrients are not taken in big quantities and in that category are vitamins and minerals.

 

What Seven Major Nutrient Types Do To Our Body?

Seven Major Nutrient Types - Nutrition Consultant - Nutrients - ProteinsProteins make up the base of the muscles, skin and hair, as well as connective tissues, enzymes and hormones, Also, they can be used as a source of energy during increased times of exertion. Since the body can not produce protein stocks, it is necessary to continuously supply our body with proteins.

Proteins are made up of 20 amino acids, of which 8 are essential, which means they can not be produced by the body, but are important and necessary for a normal function of our bodies.

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy (besides fats and proteins). When exercising (sports) or during the hard work, carbohydrates feed muscles as the main source of fuel. They are also essential for the good functioning of the brain and the nerve system, because they allow us good concentration and ability to react. They are most represented in plant foods such as cereal and bread products, fruits and vegetables.

Seven Major Nutrient Types - Nutrition Consultant - Nutrients - FatsFats help in lubricating joints; they preserve brain health, are necessary in hormones production, assist in absorbing certain vitamins and reduces inflammation.

Fats are triglycerides – 3 molecules of fatty acids in combination with alcohol glyceride.

The fibers consist of carbohydrates, but the body can’t easily absorb them. A large part of the sugars and starches doesn’t go into the bloodstream. They serve as a fuel for intestinal bacteria and are a key part of nutrition.

There are soluble fibres that are decomposed in contact with water, and there are also insoluble fibres which in contact with the water swell and do not decompose.

Seven Major Nutrient Types - Nutrition Consultant - Nutrients - WaterWater is essential for many processes in the human body. Our body consists of 70% water. It is the basic ingredient of all bodily fluids like lymph, blood, secretion from the glands, saliva, spinal cord fluid, etc.

It plays an important role in all our bodily processes: it transmits nutrients to vital organs, moisturizes skin, regulates temperature, it drains wastes and toxins, nourishes bones, joints and muscles and also lubricates tissues and organs.

Vitamins are the organic compounds that our bodies need in small quantities. They can be soluble in fats (such as vitamins A, D, E and K) and soluble in water (like vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12 and C).

Vitamin deficiencies can lead to the onset of the diseases like scurvy, osteoporosis, drowsiness, etc.

Seven Major Nutrient Types - Nutrition Consultant - Nutrients - MineralsMinerals help the body perform many different functions – from building strong bones to transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are even used to produce hormones or maintain normal heart functions. They also help prevent many diseases, but also act as a cure when we are already sick.

The most important minerals are calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, fluoride, iron, copper, cobalt, potassium, sodium, iodine, chromium, zinc and selenium.

 

Seven Major Nutrient Types Make Who We Are

These are the seven major nutrient types that are absolutely necessary for the proper and healthy function of our bodies and minds. They combine to make who we are and when there is deficiency in any of them, we fall sick and have health problems.

A good nutrition consultant will give you exact ratio of each to these  seven major nutrient types that are beneficial for your body type. Especially if you research nutrition and ayurveda, the ayurvedic therapist will pin-point the best type of nutrients for your body wellness potential map.