3 Undeniable Reasons Why Your Body Needs Nutrients (2024)

The dictionary definition of "nutrient" is something that provides nourishment, which is a broad definition. But in the field ofnutrition and diet, nutrients are more specific. In fact, there are six specificcategories of nutrients, all of which are necessary to sustain life.

6 Major Categories of Nutrients

• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Minerals
• Proteins
• Vitamins
• Water

Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients

Humans like to put things into categories because it's easy to remember what they do and we can compare and contrast them with other things. In nutrition, we often group nutrients by size or what they do in the body. We start with two groups, micronutrients and macronutrients (water is usually left alone in its own group).

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are calledmacronutrients because they're large, andenergy nutrientsbecause they provide the fuel your body needs to do things. Vitamins and minerals are calledmicronutrientsbecause they're much smaller in comparison. That doesn't mean they're less important; they're still essential nutrients, but you only need little bits.

Micronutrients can be classified by whether they're soluble in fat or soluble in water. Vitamins A, D, E, and K arefat-soluble, and the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C arewater-soluble. Minerals are grouped asmajor mineralsortrace minerals, depending upon how much of each mineral is necessary.

Why Nutrients Matter

Nutrients are important for proper health and development. The following are a variety of the key reasons that the nutrients in your food matter.

They Provide Energy

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins provide the energy your body needs to carry out all the biochemical reactions that occur throughout the day (and night), and often are included in supplements to support your workouts. The energy is measured in calories (kilocalories, technically, but we usually just call them calories). Gram for gram, fat has more calories than either carbohydrates or protein; one gram fat has nine calories, and the other two have four calories per gram.

They're Needed for Body Structures

Fats, proteins, and minerals are used as raw materials to build and maintain tissues, organs and other structures such asbones and teeth. Carbohydrates aren't on this list, but your body can take any extra carbohydrates and convert them into fat, which can bestored in adipose tissue. We can also store carbohydrates as glycogen in our muscle and liver and use them as energy. It is only when these tanks are full that we store carbohydrates as fat.

They Regulate Body Functions

Nutrients help regulate body functions.All six classes are involved in regulating various body functions such as sweating, temperature, metabolism, blood pressure, thyroid function, along with many others. When all of the different functions are in balance, your body is said to be inhomeostasis.

What Are Phytonutrients?

You might have read aboutphytonutrients, which aren't included in the major classes. Phytonutrients are chemical compounds found in plants that offer potential health benefits. There are many different names for phytonutrients such as flavonoids, phytochemicals, flavones, isoflavones, catechins, and anthocyanidins. Phytonutrients that are commonly referred to include beta carotene, lycopene, and resveratrol.

Emerging studies are investigating the role that phytonutrients play in human health. Some researchers believe that they can provide substantial benefits. But since they typically occur in foods that are also nutritious, it can be difficult to know how much of the health benefit is due to the regular nutrients or the phytonutrients.

Fiberis a type of carbohydrate that your body can't digest so it doesn't provide energy or structure. Fiber is necessary fordigestive systemfunction because it adds bulk to stool, so it is easier to eliminate. There are two types of fiber:soluble fiberthat dissolves in water andinsoluble fiberthat doesn't dissolve.

A Word From Verywell

Understanding the role of different types of nutrients on your overall health and daily function may seem overwhelming. While learning about how nutrients help our bodies stay viable might help you to make food decisions, you don't have to overthink each vitamin, mineral or macronutrient. When choosing foods and planning meals, think about consuming a wide variety of products that you enjoy—fruits and veggies in a variety of colors, a range of grains, proteins, and healthy fats, and a few treats and indulgences that put a smile on your face. A balanced diet looks different for everyone.