Our body needs important nutrients to support its healthy condition, that is why it is imperative that our food consumption should include healthy foods that contain good amount of nutrients sufficient enough to supply our body with its required daily nutrition.

Role of Essential Nutrients in the Body

To help remind you of the role of the essential nutrients in the body, I have outlined the following essential nutrients and it s corresponding roles so that you can make better meal plans according to your own specific requirements:

Carbohydrates – Provides energy for our body

Minerals – For growth and development

• Phosphorus – helps improve fat and carbohydrate metabolism
• Calcium – helps maintain heart muscle contraction, improve bone health and the health of teeth
• Iron – helps prevent fatigue, anaemia, and dull eyes; promotes red blood cell synthesis
• Magnesium – helps maintain good heart condition, bone strengthening and cell metabolism
• Fats – Promotes vitamin absorption, protects the organs of the body, and energy provider

Vitamins – Supports various body functions

• Vitamin A – Best for the eyes, nails and skin
• Vitamin B – Improve mental health and memory, promote blood formation and circulation and helps in the digestion and utilization of carbohydrates
• Vitamin C – Strengthens immune system, promote healing of wounds and enhances the health of teeth and gum
• Vitamin D- Helps strengthen bone structure, muscles and teeth
• Vitamin E – Strengthen immune system, for healthy skin and hair and promote formation of blood cells.

Protein – Enhance repair of damaged tissues, supports growth