MACRONUTRIENTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

We know that carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water are the nutrients present in the food. But these nutrients are not present in the same amount in various foods. Some of these are present in larger amounts and others in smaller amounts. All these nutrients are important as they have varied functions in the body. Here we are discussing about definitions of macronutrient  and micronutrient, and the functions and sources of Macronutrients.

We know that food contains various nutrients which have very specific functions to perform. Macronutrients are present in larger amounts in food while micronutrients are present in smaller amounts. Carbohydrates, fats, proteins and water are macronutrients.

Carbohydrates mainly provide energy and form the bulk of the diet. They are found in cereals, roots and tubers, sugar, jaggery, fruits, etc. Fats are concentrated sources of energy and are present in our diet in the form of ghee, vanaspati and oils, nuts and oilseeds, milk and egg yolk. Protein is the chief component of all tissues and is responsible for body building and repair of tissues. Milk and milk products, meat, fish, egg, pulses, nuts and oilseeds contain a good amount of protein. Water performs many different functions in the body. It is important to take plenty of water as such or in the form of different beverages.

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