A healthy diet consists of a variety of nutrients, in adequate quantities in every meal. Most adults and even kids fail to consume all the nutrients their body needs. Instead, they focus on eating lots of carbs and sugars. This leads to leathery, concentration issues and sometimes even cognitive problems.

You will be surprised to know that many adults are protein deficient. It is one of the most important macro-nutrient for the body and yet, we are unable to consume enough of it. They don’t understand how important a nutrient is for keeping them healthy and disease-free.

So, let’s learn how the 7 different types of nutrients and their functions in our body.

Protein

It is the most important macro-nutrient for keeping your muscles healthy. People who do not consume enough protein have damaged nails and hair. Their skin lacks glow and their muscle definition is also bad. Protein is present in every cell of your body.

A protein deficiency will cause damage to your cells and they will have a hard time recovering.

Carbohydrates

Though carbs have suffered a bad reputation over the year, it is an essential macro-nutrient for the body. Carbohydrates provide energy for your bodily functions and is essential for keeping the nervous system healthy. Low carb diets often mean low energy and even puzzled brain function.

Fats

Though most people try to reduce the amount of fats in their diet, healthy fats are actually essential for your body. They help in maintaining healthy brain function. It regulates your body temperature and helps in keeping your digestion healthy. Fat also works as an energy reserve for the body.

Vitamins

Your body needs several vitamins to maintain certain functions. For example, Vitamin A is necessary for good eyesight while B-complex vitamins help everything, from digestion to healthy metabolism.

Vitamin C is helpful for maintaining healthy hair, nails and skin and boosting metabolism. It also reduces cell oxidation. Vitamin D helps in keeping bones healthy while Vitamin E helps in keeping skin healthy and improving your bodily functions.

Minerals

Minerals are required in smaller amounts by the body. They are necessary for keeping our metabolism in shape and help in inducing several other biochemical functions. The most important dietary minerals are calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium, sulfur, iodine and chlorine. You will also need trace amounts of zinc, cobalt, copper, manganese, selenium and bromine.

Fiber

Fiber is available in two varieties- soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber helps keeping your digestion healthy and reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body. Insoluble fiber, also known as roughage, also helps in keeping digestion healthy by ensuring regular bowel movements.

Water

Our bodies are at least 70% water. Therefore, water is an essential nutrient for us. Dehydration could cause confusion, lethargy, irritation and even cognitive issues in people. A properly hydrated body is able to digest food easily and get the most out of the minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. Dehydrated bodies are often a breeding ground for various health issues.

Do you consume enough of these nutrients in your diet? Make a chart of the foods you eat regularly and check if something is missing. Add it to your diet and see how you feel healthier and fitter.