Our bodies rely on essential nutrients to function properly and maintain good health. Essential nutrients are substances that our bodies require in order to carry out necessary functions, but that we are unable to produce on our own.

These nutrients can only be obtained through our diets, or in some cases, through supplements.

The Importance of a Healthy Diet

Following a healthy diet is essential in order to maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

In order to achieve a healthy diet, it’s important to consume a variety of foods from all the different food groups.

The Basic Nutrient Groups

There are six basic nutrient groups that are essential to our diets: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Let’s take a closer look at each of these nutrient groups.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are our body’s main source of energy. They are found in a variety of foods such as bread, pasta, rice, fruits, and vegetables. There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex.

Simple carbohydrates are found in foods such as sugar, candy, and soda and provide quick bursts of energy. Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as whole grains and provide longer lasting energy.

Proteins

Proteins are essential for the growth and repair of our body’s tissues. They are found in foods such as meat, fish, poultry, beans, and tofu. Our bodies require 20 different amino acids in order to build proteins, but can only produce 11 of them.

This means that we need to obtain the remaining 9 amino acids through our diets.

Fats

Fats are essential for the absorption of certain vitamins, the production of hormones, and for providing our bodies with a source of energy. However, not all fats are created equal.

Saturated fats and trans fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, while monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can actually help to reduce this risk. It’s important to choose healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds.

Vitamins

Vitamins are substances that our bodies require in small amounts in order to carry out specific functions. There are 13 different vitamins that are essential to our health. Some of the most common vitamins include Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12.

Vitamins can be found in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains.

Minerals

Minerals are essential for a variety of bodily functions such as bone health, fluid balance, and the production of red blood cells. Some of the most common minerals include calcium, iron, and potassium.

Minerals can be found in a variety of foods such as dairy, nuts, and leafy green vegetables.

Water

Water is perhaps the most important nutrient of all. Our bodies are made up of around 60% water and it’s essential for many bodily functions such as temperature regulation, digestion, and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body.

It’s important to drink enough water throughout the day to ensure that our bodies are properly hydrated.