quick nutrition review: there are nutrients. there are two different kinds- macro and micro. within those different kinds are different kinds- macro: protein, fat, carbs and micro: vitamins, minerals (antioxidants and phytoestrogens also contained within this group but sometimes overlap in category). here we go.
macronutrients: complex molecules, body needs all 3 in abundance everyday. requirements vary over age and on metabolic need/goals.
protein (all essential amino acids, the ones the body doesn’t make on its own)
fat (monounsaturates [omega 9], polyunsaturates [omega 3 and 6] , saturated, hydrogenated)
carbohydrate (simple [easily and quickly digested], complex [slowly digested, more filling, more healthy, including but not limited to fibre]-
micronutrients: body needs relatively small amounts still daily. requirements vary somewhat over age, sex, lifestyle and genetics eg: those who lose blood monthly need more iron and B12, those that are predisposed to thin bones need more Vit D, Calcium and Boron.
vitamins- from ripening process of fruits and veg, levels increase (water soluble- don’t get stored, don’t become toxic: Bs (though B12 can be stored), C, beta-carotene, folic acid. fat soluble-A, D, E, K. do get stored, can become toxic if ingested at very very high dosages)
minerals -from the ground and water (oligo minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron that body needs more of. trace minerals such as chromium, selenium, copper that body needs less of. do get stored in body.
if any of these are missing from the diet, the diet is not complete, not healthy, not capable of carrying on healthy life, must function with a deficiency, causing problems. similarly if balance is off and too much of any one or two or three in the diet, problems will also be created. there is deficiency which causes medical conditions (ie: scurvy, beri-beri), but there is also low intake which does not provide enough nutrition for wellness.
N-U-T-R-I-E-N-T-S
xox dr millie lytle nd
