Humans need food for energy to move, to grow, as well as to protect and regulate bodily functions. Each different food eaten provides different types of nutrients that perform different functions. Some nutrients perform more than one function e.g. protein gives energy, builds and repairs muscles and manufactures antibodies to protect your body and regulate its processes.
The five main nutrients are: carbohydrates; proteins; vitamins; minerals and water (essential non-nutrient).
Functions of nutrients can generally be classified as:
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Nutrients that give energy – like carbohydrates, proteins and fats. These nutrients functions just like the petrol in a motorcar. These nutrients literally fuel the body to perform daily tasks such as running, playing and thinking.
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Nutrients that build and repair – are proteins and certain minerals like calcium. These nutrients are the main building blocks of your body. Each of the different systems in the body (muscular, skeletal and nervous) requires unique nutrients to build and repair them.
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Nutrients that maintain and regulate are mainly proteins, vitamins and minerals. The body needs antibodies to protect it against bad bacteria and viruses.
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Nutrients