Have you ever wondered why certain foods make you feel better than others? Why do you feel healthier after having an apple instead of a bag of chips? This is caused by these little things called nutrients. There are two main groups of nutrients that we will explain here.
Now you are probably asking yourself, “What are micronutrients, and why are they called micronutrients?” Well, we can explain that. Micronutrient is a word to describe vitamins and minerals. These are nutrients that your body must obtain from food because your body can not produce them independently. Micronutrients are consumed in much smaller quantities by comparison to macronutrients. Vitamins affect your immune system, energy production, and blood clotting, along with many other benefits. At the same time, minerals are responsible for your bones’ growth and health and other processes. These nutrients include zinc, magnesium, vitamins A, B, C, D, B12, and many others.
Now that we have explained the importance of micronutrients, it’s a good time to talk about macronutrients. What are macronutrients, and why are they called macronutrients, you might ask? Well, macronutrients are the primary nutrients that fuel your body. They are called macronutrients because of the quantity that we consume. Examples of macronutrients include proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Macronutrients make up most of what we consume and are critical indicators of how healthy the food is. While not every macronutrient is the same, the amount you eat depends on your diet.
While proteins, carbs, and fats are all well known, can you guess what macronutrient is vital for every function of the body? While all macronutrients are necessary, water is arguably the most important. Water influences everything you do during the day. Staying hydrated is critical to living a healthy life. Just like a lack of sleep, a lack of water makes it more challenging to make decisions since your mind can become clouded when you’re dehydrated. Drinking water can help in preventing mental fog over time.
Micro- and macronutrients work hand in hand and impact how your body functions and helps determine your energy levels. You get these nutrients from eating certain foods. Fruits and vegetables are often very high in micronutrients, making them effective in making you feel healthy. Processed foods like chips, bread, cereals, and deserts, often lack micronutrients. They are also loaded with sugar and can be unhealthy and can negatively impact your weight loss journey.
Finding the perfect blend of micro- and macronutrients will make you feel much better and help your body function properly. If you play your cards right, you can have your cake and eat it too.
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