Identify the names, functions, and sources of essential macro- and micro-nutrients.

The foods we eat provide our bodies with nutrients it needs for proper growth, development, and function,  The basic groups of nutrients that must be obtained through diet are macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients.  All of these nutrients play different and important roles in our health and well being. 

WHAT ARE THE MACRO-NUTRIENTS?

Micro-nutrients are the proteins, carbohydrates and unsaturated fats. Carbohydrates and fats supply energy yielding nutrients that give our body energy.  Protein is also a major component of the body’s transportation system that carries oxygen and nutrients to all cells of the body and is a major components in bone, muscle and other tissue development  and growth.  When body energy levels are low, the body will use protein for energy, but this is not the best use of protein.  This takes protein away from performing its specific important functions.

What are the best sources of protein? protein is in all types of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt also protein is found in dried beans, peas, lentils and other legumes, nuts, pumpkin seeds and soybean.  It is essential to get proteins from both animal and plant sources.  



WHAT ARE THE MICRO-NUTRIENTS?

Micro-nutrients are the vitamins and minerals the body needs. Different foods contain different levels of vitamins and minerals so it is important that you eat a wide variety of foods from all the different food groups as well as a variety within each food group to make sure you are getting adequate supplies of these micro-nutrients your body needs.  Foods such as milk, and cheese and orange fruits provide the Vitamin A, legumes and whole grain cereals, and nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables supply vitamin B.  Vitamin C and D are in your citrus fruits, broccoli, cabbage and strawberries.  

"Protein provides the “building blocks” of life – amino acids. Without protein, no life functions can be carried out. Life itself would not be possible"(FAO,2011)


Reference:

Feeding Minds Organization (2011) Eating Well for Good Health,learning about carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Retrieved from:  http://www.feedingminds.org/fileadmin/templates/feedingminds/pdf_nu/EW_Lesson4.pdf