What Vitamins And Minerals Are Considered Micronutrients?
It is an established fact that our bodies need vitamins and minerals for us to be able to perform our tasks and functions. Vitamins are said to be micro-compounds that are highly needed for various biochemical processes. In principle, vitamins are categorized as micronutrients because our body only needs a minute amount of every vitamin per day.
There are two types of vitamins; the water soluble and the fat soluble. To prevent problems, it is very crucial to ensure that water soluble vitamins are continually replenished because of the fact that it cannot be stored in the body and is continually excreted. Water soluble vitamins includes B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. on the other hand, fat soluble vitamins are the type of vitamins that can be stored in the liver and other fatty tissues of the body. Although these vitamins can be stored in the body, constant replenishment is also needed. Vitamins that are fat soluble would include the following: vitamins A, D, E, and K.
At present, vitamins are now being studied thoroughly to clearly define their roles in the body not only in the prevention of various ailments but also for treatment as well. Results of the different studies that were conducted showed that vitamin therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of various illnesses and conditions. It has also been discovered that combinations of vitamins, natural compounds and some herbs, can be an effectual remedy for many diseases and ailments.
Because of the importance of micronutrients for the body, people should always adhere with the food pyramid and eat variety of foods from all food groups which includes carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Of course, never forget to drink enough amount water in order to keep your body well hydrated and healthy. Aside from vitamins and minerals, our body also needs nutrients.
Basically, there are two kinds of nutrients that exist; the micronutrients and the macronutrients. Examples of the former include the following: vitamins, phytochemicals, and minerals while examples of the latter include fats, amino acids, proteins, and water. Micronutrients are needed by the body but in relatively minute amounts when compared to micronutrients requirement.
Despite the difference in the needed amounts of both types of nutrients, the two are highly needed for healthy functioning and in promoting the growth and development of the body. One salient difference that distinguishes micronutrients from macronutrients is the fact that the former do not contain any form of energy while the latter can contribute significant amount of energy once ingested and absorbed by the body. In the process of extracting energy from macronutrients, the body needs to utilize sufficient micronutrients to facilitate energy release thus; the body does not only need macronutrients but also micronutrients.
It is also important to note that not all of the micronutrients and macronutrients that we get from the foods that we take are absorbed by the body. For this reason we should adhere to the recommended percentages that says that 50 percent of the body�s energy requirement must come from carbohydrate rich foods, 35 percent from fats and the remaining 15 percent should come from proteins.
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