Q. What are the types of nutrients? Explain the functions of nutrients?
Types of nutrients
• Carbohydrates
• Proteins
• Fats
• Minerals
• Vitamins
• Water Functions of nutrients
1. Carbohydrates and Fats are the energy giving food for the body. Carbohydrates are easily available and are the cheapest source of energy. Fats also serve as an "emergency energy store" in the body, to be used, for example, when enough food is not available due to fasting or starvation.
2. Proteins are the building blocks of our body. They are needed for building muscles, skin, blood and bones. They repair the tissues which are constantly worn out. Therefore, you need to have proteins everyday and cannot live without them.
3. Minerals and vitamins are not a source of energy but they are necessary in many of the steps involved in the release of energy in the cells. Therefore, they help the body to make maximum utilization of food. They form shield against ailments. Minerals, such as calcium are the basic components of bones and teeth. Iron is a primary constituent of the red pigment of blood called hemoglobin. Minerals play a vital role in transmission of nerve impulses, and muscle contraction and relaxation.
4. Water is the major constituent of all body fluids such as digestive juices, blood, etc. It constitutes about 50 to 70% of the body weight. It is required in various metabolic activities. In fact, Chemical substances are of no use to our body, unless they are first turned in to a form soluble in water.