Do you know about the three macronutrients?, and about the five major nutrients?’ 

paying attention to nutrients related to their eating habits. Most people are familiar with the three macronutrients, but they are not as aware of the five major nutrients. Therefore, in this article, Pharos is going to provide you with general information about the five major nutrients, including how to ingest them and their roles.

What are the three macronutrients? That’s right, the three major nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Then, what are the five major nutrients? The five major nutrients include the three macronutrients, plus vitamins, and minerals. These are essential nutrients that maintain body functions, form body tissues, and support overall health.

 Now, let’s find out about the main roles of each of the five major nutrients. First, carbohydrates serve as the main fuel for our body, providing energy. Also, they stimulate serotonin to improve mood and sleep, and help keep you full to prevent overeating. Second, proteins help build the physical structure of muscles, skin, hair, and other tissues. Therefore, if there is a protein deficiency, hair can become thin and fall out, and muscles may decrease. Third, fats perform various physiological functions such as energy storage, maintaining body temperature, and producing hormones. In addition, fats are divided into saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats raise LDL cholesterol, which can cause arterial blockage, while unsaturated fats maintain HDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation, making us healthier.

 Fourth, vitamins help maintain cellular functions, strengthen the immune system, and control metabolism in the body. They are divided into fat-soluble and water- soluble types. Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K dissolve in fat and can be stored in the body, but excessive intake may cause toxicity. Therefore, they should be consumed in moderation. While water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and include vitamins B and C. Additionally, they cannot be stored in the body, so it’s important to consume them daily. Last minerals help build and maintain bones and teeth, and play a role in forming the skeletal structure. Examples of minerals are calcium, magnesium, and sodium.

 What kinds of food should we eat to get the five major nutrients? There are two types of carbohydrates: refined carbohydrates, like bread, rice cakes, and instant noodles, and unrefined carbohydrates, like whole grains, beans, and vegetables. Between the two, unrefined carbohydrates are better for our health than refined carbohydrates. Typical protein foods include whitefish like cod, eggs, tofu, while typical fatty foods include meats such as beef, butter, nuts like almonds, and oily fish, like mackerel. Foods that provide vitamins include salmon, avocado, mushrooms, and fruits. Last, to get minerals, you can eat foods like milk, almonds, bananas.

 Have you learned about the five major nutrients? Through the information on nutrients that Pharos has given you, let’s make it a priority to take care of our health with healthy eating habits.

84th Cub Reporter • LIM JI HA • 49andcl@naver.com