When consulting clients on nutrition I always start with the basics no matter if they are interested in weight loss, gain or just eating healthier. Here it goes: There are Six Essential Nutrients that your body needs to function properly. They are carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and water. Each of these serves a specific and essential function. (Notice that I didn’t say you need any pills, powder, potions, magic berries or any other plant growing in a foreign country.)
Essential Nutrient | Function |
Carbohydrate | Carbohydrates are used as the primary energy source for the body, they spare protein when they are present in the body, they serve as a “primer” for fat metabolism and they are required for proper nervous system function. |
Protein | Protein serves to build various tissues of the body. |
Fat | Fat in the body protects vital organs, assists fat soluble vitamins for metabolism, serves as an energy reserve and insulates the body. |
Vitamins | Vitamins regulate metabolic reactions that release energy from food. They also control the process of tissue synthesis. |
Minerals | They regulate cellular metabolism, help maintain muscular contractions, neural conductivity, and acid-base balance in the body. They also provide structure for bones and teeth. |
Water | Water is the medium for all physiological functions of the body. Waste products leave the body through water. Water also lubricates joints and protects the heart, lungs, intestine and eyes. |