Basic Nutrients

Basic nutrients for the building blocks of a good diet are; water, carbohydrates, protiens (proteins), and fats. When we choose the healthiest forms of these four nutrients and eat or drink them in the proper balance, we enable our bodies to function at the optimal level.

Water

Our bodies are two-thirds water. This water is of utmost importance to our bodies. It is an essential nutrient that is involved in every function of the body. It assists with transporting nutrients and waste products in and out of cells. All digestive , absorption, circulatory, and excretory functions need water. There is a need for water in the proper utilization of water soluble vitamins.

Water is needed for the maintenance of the proper body temperature. When we drink the adequate amount of water each day (at least eight eight-ounce glasses) we can ensure our body has all the water it needs to maintain good health.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide the energy that our bodies need to function. Almost all of these are found in plants such as fruits and vegetables. The only other significant source of carbohydrates is from milk and milk products from animals.

There are two groups of carbohydrates, simple and complex. The simple carbohydrates, referred to as simple sugars, include fructose, sucrose and lactose, Fructose comes from fruit, sucrose is table sugar and lactose comes from milk. The richest natural source of simple carbohydrates is fruits.

The complex carbohydrates are also made up of sugars. The difference of complex and simply is the sugar molecules are strung together to form longer, complex chains. Complex carbohydrates come from fiber and starches.

Protein

Protein is an essential part of the diet for growth and development. It is needed to provide energy and the manufacture of hormones, antibodies, enzymes and tissues. It also helps in the maintenance of the proper acid-alkali balance of the body.

The protein that is consumed is broken down by the body into amino acids, which are the building blocks of all proteins. These amino acids are either essential or nonessential. The designation of nonessential doesn't mean they are unnecessary, only that they don't have to come from the diet. The body can generate these amino acids from other amino acids.

The essential amino acids must be consumed in the diet, because they can't be made by the body and they are needed by the body.

Fats

Yes even there is much to do about reducing fats in the diet, the body does need fat. Without fats during infancy and childhood the brain will not develop properly. Even though it is not at the level most consume as an adult, fats are still needed.

Excessive fat in the diet is a major factor in obesity, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and colon cancer.

Micro nutrients

Vitamins and minerals and considered to be micro nutrients, because they are not needed in relatively small amounts compared to the four basic nutrients. Even though they are needed in small amounts, with out the proper amount of these micro nutrients our bodies will never at a proper and healthy level.

To be healthy and live at our fullest potential we need to consume the proper amount of vitamins, minerals and the four basic nutrients.