Author: Vincent Guo
Editor: Sophia Chen, Lillian Dong
Artist: Angela Ke
The human body needs many different types of nutrients to keep itself healthy and functional. They can be broken down into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients, which consist of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, are vital to the body and must be consumed in large amounts. They play an essential role in building and maintaining the body, as well as providing energy for proper function. Micronutrients are also important to the body but exist in smaller amounts.
Carbohydrates are your body’s primary source of energy. When the body requires energy, it uses carbohydrates as energy first. Some foods that contain carbohydrates are whole grains, milk, fruits, and vegetables. After the body runs out of carbohydrates to burn as energy, it would then rely on fats. Fats act as an energy reserve for the body. When the body has extra energy left over that isn't being used, it stores the energy as fat to burn and use as an energy source later on. Fats are also used as insulation to keep you warm. Moreover, it can act as a cushion and help protect your organs. Common sources of fats include oils, beans, and meats.
Another important macronutrient is protein, which serves as a building block for the body. It’s needed to build the structure of our organs, bones, skin, muscles, and many other body parts. Proteins also help maintain homeostasis, a crucial process that occurs when our body maintains a stable internal environment. For this to happen, our body needs enzymes, a type of protein that helps regulate chemical reactions. Enzymes all have a certain pH and temperature that they function the best in. If enzymes are in an environment that isn’t optimal for them, they may change shape; because their function is linked to their shape, they then would not be able to perform their assigned role. Some sources of protein are beans, nuts, and meats.
Micronutrients also play an important role in our body. Micronutrients are nutrients that the body needs but in smaller amounts than macronutrients. Micronutrients help support our immune system, cells, and even our metabolism. They consist of minerals and vitamins. There are many different types of vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are vital for our eyesight, blood, bone, and immune system. Vitamins C and D have key roles in growth, as well as the skin, heart, and nerves. You need to make sure you absorb enough vitamins to keep your body healthy and functional; otherwise, there may be health concerns and an increased potential for illnesses. Minerals and vitamins are very much alike, as they both help support the body. Minerals are used to build strong bones and teeth. They also help regulate your metabolism and make sure you stay hydrated. Essential minerals include calcium, potassium, and magnesium which are found in food such as eggs, meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Lastly, our body needs water, which is considered a macronutrient. On average, our body is made up of 60% water. Water can protect the nerves and joints of our body. Not only that, water is also used to get rid of toxins from our bodies. One example is our kidneys flushing out toxins; water helps carry toxins out of the body when we urinate. Water also helps maintain our body temperature. This plays a massive role in helping our body maintain homeostasis.
Micro and macronutrients have a significant impact on our bodies and are very beneficial. They help build strong bones and repair damaged muscles and tissues. In addition, they help regulate our bodily functions and keep our bodies healthy. Without them, our bodies wouldn’t function properly or maintain homeostasis.
Citations:
“Micronutrients.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization,
www.who.int/health-topics/micronutrients#tab=tab_1. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Alexander, Heather. “What Are Macronutrients?” MD Anderson Cancer Center,
%20Wellness%20Dietitian%20Lindsey%20Wohlford. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Ferreira, Mandy. “6 Essential Nutrients: What They Are and Why You Need Them.”
Healthline, Healthline Media, 14 Oct. 2024, www.healthline.com/health/food-
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