What are the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy?
We know that a good diet is essential for health, but do we know how the body gets the nutrients it needs? What does our body use the nutrients for? or which of them are priorities? The first step to have a healthy diet is to know the food groups and how to combine them to cover the body’s energy demands. These are the essential nutrients for the proper functioning of the body and in which foods you can find them.
1. Proteins
They are in charge of supporting the cells to fulfill their daily work to regulate the function of the tissues. They also help make new cells, repair old ones, create hormones and enzymes, and keep the immune system functioning properly. All essential tasks for cancer prevention. Where do you get your protein? They must be present in all your meals through eggs, meat, red or white, fish and shellfish, there are also vegetable proteins that come from grains and nuts.
2. Carbohydrates
They are the gasoline of the body, they provide energy that provides the cells, the brain and the blood with enough fuel to function properly. Without carbohydrates, the body feels weak, without strength. You can get them from bread, pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables. Since carbohydrates are converted to glucose, be sure to choose the healthiest ones and rule out those with refined sugars.
3. The water
Without it, most of the body’s processes would collapse. It supports the transport of nutrients, circulation, digestion, the elimination of toxins and regulates body temperature, which is vital to keep healthy. Eight glasses of water a day keep diseases at a distance.
4. Fats
The big misunderstood of the food chain, fats are necessary for the production of cells and hormones, as well as helping vitamins move through the body. Its bad reputation comes from excess concentration of fat, since the body converts excess calories into fat. However, a healthy level of fat helps absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, all of which are fat-soluble. Just be sure to consume the “good” or monounsaturated fats, found in nuts, avocados, and fish such as salmon or mackerel, instead of saturating your cholesterol or triglyceride levels with fried foods and processed foods.
5. Vitamins and minerals
What are the key nutrients? Who are the kings of nutrition? Vitamins are essential for the body’s metabolism, which makes them participate in different processes, such as those that allow good vision, strong bones, hair growth. For their part, minerals help regulate the proper functioning of tissues and systems. Potassium, for example, helps muscles function, while calcium takes care of bones and teeth.
6. Fiber
Fiber is usually one of the forgotten in the diet but you can make the most of it since it optimizes your entire digestive system in an amazing way thanks to its natural properties that regulate intestinal transit. On the other hand, it is an effective element in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, etc. Here is a recipe for foods rich in fiber separated into groups such as grains, fruits, legumes, vegetables and nuts so that you can incorporate them into your daily diet immediately:
What are the effects of nutrients at the cellular level?
repairing effect
The nutrients that we have taught you in this list fulfill the function of forming the cellular structure that guarantees the growth and renewal of all your organs and systems. This effect is obviously more visible during the growth periods of the human being, which is only possible thanks to the fact that nutrients help cells to divide and thus increase their number. Although we must not lose sight of the fact that this effect occurs throughout the life cycle, for example when wounds heal thanks to new skin cells, new red blood cells, etc. They replace the previously affected cells.
regulatory effect
Nutrients are also responsible for controlling certain chemical reactions that occur at the cellular level and that are the very first base of everything we know as a state of health.
energetic effect
We leave this section for last because it is the best known by all. Undoubtedly, nutrients are what feed and guarantee optimal cell function and allow us to move our muscles, organs or our neurons to interconnect and think.
final opinions
Now that you know what the essential nutrients are, it’s time to act! The human body works like a great harmonic orchestra . Each nutrient has a specific function to fulfill in order to guarantee life. The easiest and most effective way to obtain them is through food. Consciously incorporate them into your diet and prepare to receive all its benefits. Remember that at Oncosalud we care about your well-being and that of your family. Stay informed! Read here more content that will help you continue taking care of your health.
