What nutrients does the human body need

What nutrients does the human body need? This question is generally a question that we all pay attention to, and it is also a question that everyone wants to know. As we all know, our normal survival is inseparable from nutrients. If we lose some nutrients, our bodies may show certain diseases. This is also experienced by many people, because in reality there are still many people who are picky eaters.

The nutrients our body needs generally come from food, and there are many types of food in our daily lives, and different foods provide us with different nutrients, which everyone knows. So, what kind of nutrients does our human body need? Let’s talk about this issue below.

Protein, the main constituent of the human body

Protein is an important raw material for building the human body. The nerves, muscles, bones, and even hair of the human body are all made of protein. A baby weighing a few kilograms grows into an adult weighing dozens of kilograms. The self-renewal of various tissue components in the body cannot be separated from protein, so sufficient protein must be supplied to meet the needs of life activities. There are many sources of protein in food. Cereals such as soybeans, wheat, and rice can provide plant protein, among which soybeans contain up to 39% protein. Various meats and eggs are the main sources of animal protein. When choosing food, it is necessary to combine meat and vegetables and complement each other so that the protein intake can better meet the needs of the human body.

Fat is a high energy source for the human body

The main function of fat in the body is to store and supply energy. It is the backup fuel for sugar, the main energy substance of the human body. Our daily cooking oils, such as vegetable oils such as soybean oil and corn germ oil, and nuts such as walnuts and melon seeds are rich in oils. Among animal foods, the fat content of livestock meat is generally around 20%, and the content of pork is higher than that of beef and mutton; the fat content of poultry generally is 15%~20%, but the fat content of duck is higher, generally above 30%; the fat content of fish is generally below 10%, and the fat composition of fish contains more polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system; the fat content of eggs is 10%~15%, mainly contained in the yolk, and the egg white contains almost no fat.

Carbohydrates are the main energy source for life activities

The energy released from the decomposition of carbohydrates can maintain all physiological activities, such as heartbeat, breathing, nerve excitement, brain activity, etc. Carbohydrates can be divided into three categories: monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. The most common monosaccharides in food are glucose and fructose, which are mainly found in various fruits and honey. The most common oligosaccharide is sucrose, which is commonly known as sugar, mainly derived from sugar cane and sugar beets. Oligosaccharides such as trehalose, oligofructose, and soybean oligosaccharides are mostly found in fruits and vegetables, and have special functions for the human body, such as laxative and intestinal cleansing, regulating the intestinal environment, and lowering serum cholesterol. Starch and cellulose are the main representatives of polysaccharides. In daily staple foods, rice and flour products, potatoes, sweet potatoes and other potato foods can provide sufficient starch for the human body. For people who mainly eat refined rice, noodles and meat, it is particularly necessary to consume a certain amount of fiber from vegetables, fruits and cereals. These fibers act like a "mop" in the intestines to help the body detoxify and facilitate bowel movements.

Vitamins needed by the human body

Vitamin A: Nutrients that protect vision

Vitamin A can protect eyesight, maintain the normal structure of epithelial cells, promote bone growth and development, and enhance the body's immunity. Vitamin A is mainly found in animal foods. Foods rich in vitamin A include animal liver, milk, butter, egg yolk and cod liver oil. Carotenoids in plants can also be converted into vitamin A in the human body. Eating more yellow and red vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, pumpkin, mango, citrus, etc., is beneficial to supplement vitamin A.

Vitamin C, a Nutrient That Boosts Immunity

Vitamin C mainly exists in the body as an antioxidant, which can promote wound healing, prevent sepsis, improve the metabolism of blood fat and cholesterol, prevent cardiovascular disease, and enhance the body's immunity to the external environment. The main sources of vitamin C are fresh vegetables and fruits. Green vegetables such as leeks and bell peppers, and fruits such as red dates, grapefruit, sour dates, and kiwis are rich in vitamin C.

The proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins introduced above are only a small part of the nutrients our human body needs, but each person's demand for these nutrients is different, so everyone's requirements for these foods in daily life are also different. In fact, to do the best for our bodies, we should not be picky or partial to certain foods.