Nutrients play an important role in our digestion process. They are the components of food which are needed by the body in adequate amount to grow, to reproduce and to lead a healthy life.

When we eat food, the salivary glands in the mouth prepare saliva which gets mixed up with the food we eat. The Amylase Enzymes made by pancreas and salivary glands convert the carbohydrates in the food into glucose.

Then the food gets transferred to the stomach where gastric glands prepare gastric juices (Hydrochloride, Pesin and Mucus). These juices make the food acidic.

Thereafter the food gets transferred to the small intestine. The digestion and absorption of food takes place here. Digestive juices like intestinal juices, bile acid and pancreatic juice help in digestion. Liver produces Bile and pancreas produces pancreatic juice.

Left overs are pushed into the large intestine. Here the absorption of water takes place. Food not digested finally will get pushed down to the Anus.

Each person has an unique nutritional requirement. This will depend upon how much to eat, what to eat for macro and micro nutrition, when to eat, food items to eat and supplements as may be required.

Macro-Nutrients like Carbohydrates, Fats and Proteins and water help build tissues in the body and provide energy whereas Micro-Nutrients like Vitamins, Minerals help the body to function smoothly.

Nutrients are divided into two categories :

1	Macro nutrients
2	Micro nutrients

Macro nutrients consist of :

1	Carbohydrates
2	Proteins
3	Fats
4	Water

Micro nutrients consist of :

1	Vitamins
2	Minerals like Calcium and Iron

Macro Nutrients viz., Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats are covered separately.

Water :

Our body consists of 72% water.

Role of Water :

1. Supports body’s natural healing process
2. Improves oxygen delivery to cells
3. Improves cellular hydration and communication
4. Prevents tissues from sticking
5. Maintains normal electrical properties of cells
6. Moistens oxygen for easier breathing
7. Transports nutrients and helps in cellular hydration
8. Regulates body temperature
9. Cushions and absorbs shocks to organs, joints and bones
10. Flushes out toxins and removes waste.

Micro Nutrients :

Vitamins : Help in building immunity, regulate growth, help in bone tissue formation and development, prevent bleeding and blood deficiency.

Vitamins are found in living plants and animals such as Vitamins A,B,C and Folic Acid found in fruits and green vegetables, grains and nuts besides other sources like meat, fish, eggs and dairy.

Minerals are found in inorganic sources. They come from soil and water. Like Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese etc. Sources are : Nuts, milk, eggs, green vegetables, legumes and shell fish.

These Micro nutrients of Vitamins, Minerals help the body to run smoothly. They help in repairing the damaged cells and tissues, prevent infections by fighting bacteria, virus and fungi etc.

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