Nutrients are substances in food that our body needs to grow, stay healthy, and have energy.

🔹 Main types of nutrients:

1. Carbohydrates– Give energy (found in rice, bread, fruits)

2. Proteins – Build and repair body tissues (found in eggs, meat, pulses)

3. Fats – Give energy and help absorb vitamins (found in oil, nuts, butter)

4. Vitamins – Help the body work properly (like Vitamin A, C, D)

5. Minerals – Build bones, teeth, and help body functions (like iron, calcium)

6. water – Needed for digestion, temperature control, and removing waste

7. Fibre (roughage) – Helps in digestion and keeps the gut healthy (found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains)

Protein

protein is a macronutrient made up of amino acids that is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function in the body.

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are needed because they are the body's primary source of energy, providing fuel for the brain, muscles, and other tissues to function efficiently. When digested, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used by cells for energy, helping to maintain physical activity, focus, and overall bodily functions.

Fat

Fats are needed because they provide a concentrated source of energy, help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), support cell growth, and protect vital organs. Additionally, fats are essential for hormone production, brain function, and maintaining healthy skin and hair.

vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for various biochemical processes in the body. They are required in small amounts to maintain health, growth, and overall well-being, and they help regulate many bodily functions, including immune support, energy production, and tissue repair.

Why vitamins are needed:

Vitamins are crucial because they help the body perform essential functions that it cannot do on its own. They support metabolism, strengthen the immune system, help produce energy from food, maintain healthy skin, eyes, and bones, and aid in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Without adequate vitamins, the body may develop deficiencies that can lead to health problems or impair its ability to grow, heal, or fight infections.

What vitamins are:

There are 13 essential vitamins, which are classified into two main groups:

Fat-soluble vitamins: These vitamins are stored in the body's fat tissues and liver and are absorbed with dietary fat. They include:

Vitamin A (for vision, immune function)

Vitamin D (for bone health, calcium absorption)

Vitamin E (antioxidant, protects cells)

Vitamin K (important for blood clotting)

Water-soluble vitamins: These vitamins are not stored in the body and must be replenished regularly through diet. They include:

Vitamin C (for immune health, skin, and tissue repair)

B-vitamins (such as B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid) which are involved in energy production, brain function, and red blood cell formation.

Each vitamin has its own specific function, and a deficiency in any one can lead to health issues, such as scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency), rickets (Vitamin D deficiency), or anemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency).