Here, Swiss Sciences Nutrition will discuss Nutrients and how they are used by the body.
Nutrients
are simply chemicals we all need. They are what makes our bodies live
and grow. Nutrients are essential, and without them our body would not
be able to create or repair damaged tissue. Many nutrients are converted
to energy in the body’s digestive system.
There are a few ways
that nutrients can be classified. They can be either organic or
inorganic, they can be either macro nutrients or micro nutrients, they
can be considered either “essential” or “non-essential”, and they are
also classified into substances that either “provide energy” or “support
metabolism”. The main classifications of nutrients are: carbohydrates,
proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water. One of the things Swiss
Sciences Nutrition does is to study these nutrients and their effects on
the body.
Organic nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins,
fats, and vitamins come from the materials of other living organisms
while inorganic nutrients are “non-living” substances such as water,
oxygen, and minerals.
Macronutrients are required by our bodies
in large quantities. Some examples are carbohydrates, protein, fats, and
water. Micronutrients are only required in tiny amounts like vitamins
and minerals.
Nutrients that cannot be created by our body’s
chemical processes are called essential nutrients. It is necessary to
receive these types of nutrients through consumption of food or
supplements. Nonessential nutrients are created by our bodies.
Nutrients
that provide energy include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They
nutrients are broken down in the body’s digestive system and turned into
energy. Nutrients that support metabolism include dietary minerals,
vitamins, and water.
A brief rundown of the different classes of nutrients is as follows:
The Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates
can be classified as either simple or complex and are the nutrients
that include sugars, starches and even fiber. Carbohydrates are the main
ingredient of foods such as wheat, rice, corn, noodles, bread and other
grain-based products. Carbohydrates can have a negative effect on our
health if consumed in too large a quantity, however, they are an
important part of our daily diet. Simple carbohydrates are highly
processed. They include sugars and starches and can have seriously
negative effects on our health when consumed in large amounts.
Fiber
Fiber
is included in the carbohydrates. It can be classified as either
soluble or insoluble. Fiber is a part of foods like whole grains,
fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Fiber has many health benefits and
improves digestion in several ways by moving food along the digestive
tract and slowing the absorption of sugar, which helps lower blood
glucose levels to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Proteins
Proteins
are made up of amino acids. These are required to produce the
substances that make up muscle tissue, skin, and hair. Enzymes are also
created by proteins. Enzymes are important substances which control
chemical reactions in the body.
Fats
Fats are classified
as being either saturated or unsaturated. Animal fats are saturated fats
and are recognized by being in a solid state at room temperature.
Vegetable oils are unsaturated fats and are liquid at room temperature.
Saturated fats are not usually as healthy for us as unsaturated fats.
Unsaturated fats are also broken down further into omega-3 or omega-6
fatty acids. Trans-fats are unsaturated fats that have been
“hydrogenated” and become solid at room temperature. Trans-fats are the
most unhealthy of the fats and are, if fact, quite detrimental to our
health.
The Vitamins
Many vitamins are considered
essential nutrients. They cannot be produced by the body but need to be
be ingested in food or through supplements. Many diseased can occur as a
result of vitamin deficiencies – among them are cancer, immune system
weaknesses, and osteoporosis.
Minerals
Minerals are
substances required by our bodies that are not found in organic
molecules. Sodium and calcium are just a couple of the many minerals we
need in our diet. Minerals are often artificially added to our diets in
the form of supplements.
Most foods contain a mixture of the
various nutrient classes. Many nutrients can be stored in the body.
Others must be ingested on a daily basis. A deficiency of the required
nutrients can lead to poor health. It is the recommendation of Swiss
Sciences Nutrition that we consume a well balanced diet which includes a
satisfactory amount of all the necessary nutrients. Some of the highest
quality nutritional advice, information, and products are provided by
Swiss Sciences Nutrition. Swiss Sciences nutrition supplies written
materials and books providing the added benefit of educational material
to help in the quest for healthy weight loss.
Swiss Sciences
nutrition is the creator and marketer of some of the highest quality
weight loss products in the world. With most all our products Swiss
Sciences nutrition supplies written materials and books providing the
consumer with the added benefit of educational material to help them be
more successful in their fight for healthy weight loss.
Swiss Sciences Nutrition – Clearwater, FL, US
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