What nutrients does the human body need?

The human body needs a lot of nutrients, and these nutrients are related to human health. Many people want to know what specific nutrients the human body needs. In fact, there are many nutrients, including the simplest water, because water is the source of life and people cannot live without water.

1. Water

Water is the source of life. People's need for water is second only to oxygen. Water is an essential substance for maintaining life. The body's material metabolism and physiological activities cannot be separated from the participation of water. Water is an important component of human cells. A normal adult's water content is about 70%, an infant's body weight is about 80% water, and an elderly person's body weight is 55% water.

2. Protein

Protein is an indispensable substance for maintaining life. Human tissues and organs are composed of cells, and the main component of cell structure is protein. Proteins play a role in the growth of the body, repair of tissues, regulation of biochemical reactions in the body by various enzymes and hormones, composition of antibodies to resist disease, maintenance of osmotic pressure, and transmission of genetic information. Meat, eggs, milk and beans are rich in high-quality protein and are essential daily sources.

3. Fat

Fat is the main nutrient for storing and supplying energy. Each gram of fat provides twice as much energy as the same weight of carbohydrates or protein. The body's cell membranes, nerve tissues, and hormones are all inseparable from it. Fat also plays a role in keeping warm and insulating; supporting and protecting internal organs, joints, and various tissues; and promoting the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Daily fat heat supply should account for 20% to 25% of total calories.

4. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the main nutrients that provide energy for life activities. They are widely found in rice, noodles, potatoes, beans, and various grains. They are the most important and economical food for humans. The daily calories provided by this type of food should account for 60% to 65% of the total calories. Any carbohydrate that enters the body is eventually broken down into sugar through biochemical reactions, so it is also called sugar. In addition to supplying energy, it also promotes the metabolism of other nutrients, combines with proteins and fats to form glycoproteins and glycolipids, and constitutes antibodies, enzymes, hormones, cell membranes, nerve tissues, ribonucleic acid and other substances with important functions. The importance of this type of food is self-evident, but parents should also be reminded not to add too much rice noodles too early; adding too much sugar to children's food will lead to obesity and lay the seeds for their future health.