Compare/contrast Essay
What are Micronutrients and Macronutrients and why are they essential to the human body? In my efforts of exploring macro and micronutrients the goal that I will be focusing on will be to explain what each nutrient is, as well as give examples of each as well as examine why they are essential to the human body. In my efforts of exploring macro and micronutrients the goal will be to identify the types of both and the reasons why they are important for a normal functioning body.
Macronutrients consist of the body’s energy supply, when we focus on a normal metabolism we would be describing the energy requirements that are necessary for the body’s cell function, tissue repair, and the muscle function in a human body. When we think about nutrients we need to remember that they are chemicals that any living organisms need to continue their survival. Macronutrients are nutrients that help give us energy that helps to perform normal everyday functions. These nutrients are Macronutrients are required to maintain the body’s energy supply.
In a human body macronutrients are a vital part of everyday functioning of the body because these are the fuel for the body. Studies say that without macronutrients the human body would not be able to perish.
There are three main macronutrients that a human body requires such as; Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats.
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel. These can easily be converted into fuel. Whenever, we talk about carbohydrates this is a requirement for the glucose of energy. The brain, the kidney, the central nervous, and muscle need. These can be stored for a later use, that helps the body’s intestinal health and waste elimination.Carbohydrates are in many foods, which make them easy to acquire.
Fats are essential for normal growth and development. Fats are a terrific source of energy. Because organs and maintain cell membranes. They are also important because they provide taste, consistency, and the stability of food.
Proteins are essential for the body’s growth. Proteins are important especially in teens,children and for pregnant women. Proteins help with the immune function, tissue repair and with the making of essential hormones and enzymes that provide energy when there is nothing is available. They are also important in the preservation of the body’s muscle mass.
A human body needs a percentage of each macronutrient. Requirements of these macronutrients are as follows: 10% from proteins, 60% from carbohydrates and at least 25% to 30% from fats. Macronutrients are required in larger amounts then micronutrients because they are considered to be the main source of the human body’s energy supply.
Micronutrients are considered to be the cofactors to the body’s protein synthesis and energy production.Micronutrients are required in a healthy diet, because these are what act as cofactors that are integral parts to enzymes that are involved in cell function. Micronutrients are considered to be vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients are required in smaller amounts. Micronutrients are essential for the body’s physical well-being and growth. Micronutrients are required to release the energy that it is in your body. Vitamins are considered to be an essential part of a human’s normal metabolism,as well as growth and development and the regulation of cell functions. These work together with enzymes and other substances that are necessary for a healthy life. Certain types of vitamins that micronutrients include are zinc and iodine that are necessary for the healthy functioning of the body system which includes the brain function and bone growth. Vitamins such as Micronutrients also include things such as: vitamin D, C, A, E and K as well B-complex. When mentioning vitamins things such as:
Iron: This helps the body produce red blood cells and lymphocyctes.
Iodine: helps the body’s thyroid gland develop and function. It also the body to metabolize fats, and promotes energy production and growth.
Manganese: promotes bone formation and energy production, also helps the body metabolize the macronutrients, fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Magnesium: helps the heart maintain its normal rhythm, it also helps the body to convert glucose (blood sugar) into energy, it is also necessary for the metabolism of the micronutrients vitamin C and calcium.
Chloride: helps with the regulation of water and electrolytes within the cells, as well as helping in maintaining the appropriate cellular ph.
Minerals are classified as a major part required for the human body. Every human body needs minerals for healthy bones, blood, teeth, a normal heart rhythm,cellular metabolism and even muscle reflexes.
Both macro and micronutrients are essential to a human body means to functioning properly. The three big main macronutrients that we as humans need to always remember that are essential and a required for a normal functioning body are such as: proteins, fats and carbohydrates, Proteins are important for the repair and growth of tissues, building muscles, enzymes, hormones amino acids and just our overall immune system. Carbohydrates are required for the main source of energy that the body requires. Fats are also an important factor in our diet because these are what help protect our organs, maintaining cell membranes, promotion of healthy growth and development and they are essential to help absorb the essential vitamins.
Minerals that are considered to be an essential micronutrient are things such as inorganic elements that are absorbed from the soil. Minerals can also be found in the water, soil, plant roots and even in animals. Vitamins are considered to be fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are things such as; Vitamin A,D,E, and K. Water-soluble vitamins are considered to be Vitamin B and C, that are needed for the body to replenish everyday.
Throughout out my essay, I will have explained what a macro and micronutrient is and why they are essential to the human body. I will have given examples of each type and what they do, as well as how they help in the functioning of the human body. Being that there are six essential nutrients that a human body needs, it is important for all individuals to know what they are and understand the importance of each one, as well as know how and why they are needed for a body to function normal and properly.
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