Difference between Micronutrients and Macronutrients

There’s no denial, in fact, about the amount of impact food has on our health. Eating high-quality foods is essential in nourishing the body and protecting it from inflammation and harmful diseases. Conversely, an inadequate intake of nutrients can lead to anything from chronic disease and serious health conditions. Therefore, awareness and understanding of the different nutrients in foods are really important.

What are Macronutrients?

Macronutrients are the elements in the food that are needed to grow and function in the body. Macronutrients are obtained through the diet as the body can’t produce them by itself. Carbohydrates, protein, and fat are the three main nutrition categories in your diet. While all macros provide valuable energy to the body, they fulfil different functions.

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates mainly consist of sugars, starches and fibres. These are mostly found in fruits, grains, and vegetables. The most important sources of quick energy in diet are these because these foods are easily broken down into glucose, which helps muscles and the brain function. Carbs are found in healthy foods like vegetables too. They’re also found in cakes and doughnuts, which are very harmful in various diets. Thus, there are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbs or bad carbs generally release sugar faster because they are made with processed and refined sugar and don’t contain any vitamins, minerals, or fibres. Complex, or good carbs, are processed more slowly and filled with various nutrients

Proteins: Proteins are composed of amino acids and function as hormones, enzymes, and antibodies in the immune system. Proteins don’t serve as a direct source of energy but work as the building blocks in the body. Protein is measured by the number of essential amino acids it contains, which varies depending on the food source. Animal products, such as meat and fish contain essential amino acids. Eating a combination of different plant proteins throughout the day is important for vegetarians and vegans. Soya beans and Amaranth seeds are good sources of amino acids

Fats: Saturated and Unsaturated fats are important because our body only needs the latter. Unsaturated fats control metabolism, maintain the elasticity of cell membranes, improve blood flow, and promote cell growth and regeneration. Fats play a role in delivering fat-soluble vitamins like- A, D, E and K inside the body. The body doesn’t necessarily need saturated fats, but they provide it with proper cholesterol, thus helping the hormones. The body does produce its cholesterol, so a small amount is introduced through diets that can help to build cell membranes, producing hormones like oestrogen and testosterone. Afterall, a diet rich in cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. Fats should make up between 30–35 percent caloric intake, with a maximum of 10 percent of that being saturated fats

Examples

Saturated Fats: Animal fat, Butter, Coconut oil.

Unsaturated Fats: Olive oil, Flaxseed oil, Canola oil, Nuts, Avocado.

What are Micronutrients?

Macronutrients are not produced in the quantities it needs, so having a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for a healthy body. Vitamins are very organic and can be broken down by elements such as heat, air, or acid. On the other hand, Minerals are inorganic and aren’t broken down in this way. So, minerals are absorbed in the body present in the soil.

Each vitamin and mineral has a specific role in our body. This is the best way to ensure that all bodily needs are met through a healthy, varied diet. Micronutrients are crucial for nearly every process; they can also act as antioxidants. In the right quantity, they protect the body against disease and deficiencies. Eating a balanced diet promotes the chances of getting a variety of minerals and vitamins through food into the bloodstream. While they work together, vitamins and minerals have different tasks in the body.

Vitamins: The main function of vitamins is to release the energy present in our food. Vitamins help to build protein and help in cell multiplication. They make collagen, which helps heal wounds, support blood vessel walls, and promote healthy bones and teeth. Vitamins keep eyes, skin, lungs, digestive tract and nervous system in good condition. They build bone, vision and interact with each other to help in absorbing the vitamins it needs

Minerals: Minerals maintain the correct balance of water in the body. They promote healthy bones and stabilise the protein structures. They help in making up hair, skin, and nails. They help in oxygen circulation around the body. Minerals also assist in the ability to taste and smell

Conclusion

The nutrients inside the body promote growth and development in cells and regulate bodily processes. It can be divided into two groups- macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are the nutrients inside our body which are needed in larger amounts, namely carbohydrates, protein, and fat. These provide energy. Micronutrients are the nutrients that provide the need in smaller amounts, commonly referred to as vitamins and minerals.

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