Essential Nutrients

The nutrients known to be essential for human beings are proteins, carbohydrates, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins, and water.

Most essential nutrients are needed only in small quantities, and are stored and reused by the body. As a result, unlike absence of air or water for humans, absence of essential nutrients usually leads only gradually to the development of a deficiency disease.

The Three Major Functions of Nutrients

1. Provide Energy	Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids (fats and oils)
2. Promote Growth and Development	Proteins Lipids Vitamins Minerals Water
3. Regulate Body Functions	Proteins Lipids Vitamins Minerals Water

The Description of Essential Nutrients is given below:

1. Vitamins

   Vitamins are natural substances found in plants and animals and known as Essential nutrients for human beings. The name vitamin is obtained from "vital amines" as it was originally thought that these substances were all amines. Human body uses these substances to stay healthy and support its many functions. There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Read More
   
   

2. Minerals
   

   Minerals are natural compounds formed through geological processes. Minerals needed by the body in small amounts to help it function properly and stay strong. Iron, calcium, potassium, and sodium are some of essential minerals. Humans need small amounts of about 14 minerals to maintain normal body function and good health. Read More
   
   

3. Carbohydrates
   

   Carbohydrates are the most abundant class of organic compounds found in living organisms. They come from a wide array of foods - bread, beans, milk, popcorn, potatoes, cookies, spaghetti, corn, and cherry pie. The most common and abundant form of carbohydrates are sugars, fibers, and starches. Carbohydrates have the general molecular formula CH2O, and represented "Hydrated Carbon". Read More
   
   

4. Proteins
   

   Proteins are complex substances found in many foods and are made up of thousands of small units called amino acids. The different amino acids that make up proteins are important for growth, tissue repair and replacement. Proteins are the building blocks of the body. Every part of the body - needs a supply of amino acids in order to keep healthy. Read More
   
   

5. Fats
   

   An oily liquid or greasy substance; making up the main bulk of the tissue of animals, and widely distributed in the seeds of a plant. Fats help the body use some vitamins and keep the skin healthy. Read More