Micronutrients and Macronutrients

Micronutrients and macronutrients are food sources, each have a distinct role and assist with the function of the human body. The lack of either or too much contributes to health problems. While vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) are needed macronutrients (water, carbohydrates, protein and fats (lipids)) are the source of energy  for the human body.  Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body; however, protein and fats can provide the human body with energy but at a cost.

Therefore, it is important to consume enough carbohydrates, so that the body will not have to look to protein and fats for energy. Micronutrients and macronutrients also promotes growth, development, transport  oxygen to main organs and assist with maintaining a healthy heart, digestive tract and immune system (Sizer & Whitney, 2014).

Healthy carbohydrates are starchy vegetables which are: potatoes, corn, peas  (Sizer & Whitney, 2014) Protein sources are: kidney beans, black beans, lima beans, cashew nuts, soybeans, peanut butter and  eggs (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). While healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) can be found in olive oil, canola  oil, sunflower oil, corn oil and can be found in fish too. Fish types includes: tuna, salmon, trout  and mackerel (Mayoclinic, n.d.).

Important vitamins and minerals that promote healthy body functions are: Folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C & E, iron, zinc, chromium, copper, iodine, and selenium (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.).

The following link: http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/ provides fact sheets that discuss the role of the vitamins and minerals as each relate to health and disease.

The following video by Nabil Aidoud which can be found on youtube explains micronutrients and macronutrients with clarity.

References:

Aidoud, N. (2013). Macronutrients versus Micronutrients - Basic Concepts [Video file]. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mm-Y3_K1TU  

Dietary fats: Know which types to choose. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research website: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fat/art-20045550?pg=1

Figure 1.1 Micronutrients vs. Macronutrients [Chart]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://dietdatabase.com/macronutrients-and-micronutrients/

Simple Classification of Dietary Constituents [Table]. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://dietdatabase.com/macronutrients-and-micronutrients/

Sizer & Whitney (2014) Nutrition Concepts and Controversies (13th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.

Vitamins and Minerals. (n.d.). Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website:
http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/