The body needs nutrients in order to function properly everyday. These substances, which provide the energy that is needed to live, are carbon hydrates or carbohydrates, fats or lipids, proteins, vitamins, water and mineral salts.
– Carbohydrates: their main function is providing the body immediate energy. A couple of the most consumed carbohydrates are starches or feculas, which are found in legumes and potatoes, and sugars, which are split into simple glucids or monosaccharides (glucose, fructose and galactose) and compound glucids or disaccharides (sucrose, maltose and lactose, which are all found in table sugar).
– Fats or lipids: among the many functions of fat, the most important one is supplying calories to the body. They are found in vegetable oils and animal fats.
– Proteins: they are the raw material for the formation of digestive juices, hormones, plasmic proteins, hemoglobin and enzymes. They are obtained from food that comes from plants and animals.
– Vitamins: they are essential to the metabolic process, body growth and cell activity. They are found in fruits and vegetables.
– Water: it is fundamental in processes like digestion and the absorption and elimination of waste.
– Mineral salts: these are calcium, potassium and iron, among others. They help regulate bodily functions.
A balanced diet needs different nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins.
