There are more than 40 different kinds of nutrients in food and they can generally be classified into the following 7 major groups:
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
Dietary fibre
Water
Why are they essential to our body?
Although each of the 7 major groups of nutrients performs different and unique functions in our body, they are all essential because they work together and contribute to our good health. The main functions of these major nutrients can be summarized as below:
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a major source of energy of our body, and they come mainly from grains, such as rice and noodles. Besides, fruit, root vegetables, dry beans and dairy products also contain carbohydrates.
Proteins
Meat, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy products, dry beans and bean products are good sources of protein. Its major functions include building, repairing and maintaining healthy body tissues.
Fats
Fats can be found in foods such as meat, fish, seafood, dairy products, nuts, seeds and oils. Fats serve as an energy source. They prevent heat loss in extreme cold weather and protect organs against shock. They are responsible for making up part of our body cells and transporting fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K.
Vitamins
There are many kinds of vitamins from various food groups and they participate in different body metabolism such as maintaining healthy skin and hair, building bones and releasing and utilizing energy from foods. Vitamins can be classified into water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.
Minerals
Minerals are a group of essential nutrients which regulate many body functions such as fluid balance, muscle contraction and transmission of nerve impulses. Some minerals also contribute to body structure and build strong and healthy bones, such as calcium
Dietary fibre
Dietary fibre is the indigestible part found in plant. It helps stablise blood sugar, promote gastrointestinal health and prevent constipation. Dietary fibre can be classified into soluble and insoluble fibre.
Water
Water is the most abundant substance in human body and is also an essential nutrient to maintain our health. The major functions of water include regulation of body temperature, production of body fluids, transportation of nutrients and removal of waste products.