Nutrients are life-giving and life-sustaining substances found in food. The work together to supply the body with energy. Of the six major category of nutrients, 3 are macro-nutrients or caloric nutrients (protein, carbs and fats); that is they provide calories (energy) for the body and its bodily functions. The other three are micro-nutrients or non-caloric nutrients (vitamins, minerals and water). While they do not provide calories per se, they assist in the releasing of calories/ energy from the caloric nutrients.
Most of the clients we train and some of the people we speak with do not have a good understanding of these six nutrients. Moreover, they do not have a fundamental idea of each nutrient's primary function. Below is a brief description of the six nutrients and their major functions. This information can be found in the ACE Personal Training Manual 3rd Edition. There are six classes of nutrients:
1. Proteins:
Builds and repairs body tissue;
Is a major component of enzymes, hormones and antibodies;
2. Carbs:
Provide the main/major source of fuel for the body;
Provides dietary fibers;
3. Lipids/Fats:
Chief storage from of energy in the body;
Insulates and protects vital organs;
Assist in the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins;
4. Vitamins:
Help promote and regulate various chemical reactions and body processes;
Does not provide energy, but participates in releasing energy from foods;
5. Minerals:
Enable enzymes to function;
Constitutes a component of hormones;
Is a part of bone and nerve impulses;
6: Water:
Enables chemical reactions to occur:
Aids in the metabolism of water-soluble vitamins:
It is believed that the average American does not get the recommended daily amount of these six nutrients. The best source for these nutrients can be found in natural foods, the less processed and the less chemically grown the better. However, this is a topic for a later discussion. The key is to ensure that you have a working understand of the nutrients, their major functions and which ones provide energy and which ones aids in the releasing of energy for the body's use.Our discussion next week will be about the proper amounts of each nutrient. Until then, we wish you well in your quest to achieve a better you in 2010!
Blog