An In-Depth Guide To The 6 Essential Nutrients And Functions |

The six types of essential nutrients are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water, vitamins and minerals. They are literally the golden substance of life which allow us to survive, grow and reproduce. The human body cannot synthesise these nutrients on its own, or not to an adequate amount and so are essential to life.

WHAT ARE NUTRIENTS?

Nutrients are substances in food that are primarily responsible for providing an energy source to run the system of a living organism independently of its structural organisation.

From: Wheat and Rice in Disease Prevention and Health, 2014

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wHY IS EATING A WELL BALANCED AND NUTRITIOUS DIET IMPORTANT TO US?

Ok lets start the ball rolling by first qualifying that When I say “diet,” I am not referring to some new fad, scheduled plan or calorie counter. People tend to get tensed at the mention of the word “diet” and turn away from the subject feeling as though they are going to be sold something or asked to do the impossible!

All I would ask is that when you read this article please replace the word “diet” in your head by thinking of the words:-

Nature’s nourishment for the mind and body and mother earths gift of natural medicine attuned to the human condition.

A bit long I know but I definitely think that it’s the right way of thinking if you are to conquer your weight loss, fitness and self development goals. I firmly believe that putting good nutritious food into our bodies and being physically active is important.

It’s as important to our short and long term health as is putting premium oil and fuel into a car and running it daily. Simply put, a nutrient is anything that provides nourishment essential for the growth and maintenance of life.

Or in other words, good nutritious food quite literally feeds our body and our mind, keeping us strong and mentally alert. Consequently this then helps to prevent the onset of small illnesses and serious long term damage from disease.

If you then combine this with Physical activity, on even a small scale, (gym membership is not required). Then the average human has the ability to push life expectancy beyond the established average in their area and be happier within themselves as they live it!

REGULARLY EATING THE SIX TYPES OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS CAN:

Reduce the risk of high Blood pressure.
Strengthens bones and improves skin suppleness and colour.
Improve your ability to fight of illness both minor and major.
Increase your energy levels and lift your mood.
Improve your ability to recover from illness.
promote the feelings of joy, happiness and wellbeing.
Lower high Cholesterol levels.
Improve and strengthen your immune system.

In support of this evidence, poor diets of low nutritional value, have been associated with having major health risks. Moreover these risks can cause illness and possibly death even in those people of a healthy weight and with good mental faculties.

These illnesses include heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, some types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

It seems to me that in today’s modern world we are quickly becoming addicted to fast and processed foods. These “fast,” foods very often include a sugary drink and are full of reconstituted meats. Most of these products are also of low nutritional value, according to the world’s nutritionists.

This in turn is increasing the obesity problem as these foods, evidently, do not carry all the essential nutrients that the body craves. Nor are they in the correct quantities, which then inspires the brain to tell us to eat more to fulfil our nutritional needs.

I also believe that, as with all things, we should start nutritional education at an early age and continue this education through our lives. This is why it is vitally important that adults change to a more healthy and nutritious diet as soon as possible. If we do this then we can inspire the young to do the same which will be a win ,win situation for all of us.

Wouldn’t you like to know that your children are getting all six of nature’s essential nutrients on a daily basis. I know I would!

When it comes to most topics we all have a little knowledge but would not class ourselves as the expert in the room. Food and Nutrition is the same, we all like to think we know a little, but that someone else is the expert. You only need to look at the vast array of cook, diet and health books to work that one out.

To make matters worse the subject of food and what is best for us, is discussed with, or around us every single day. It’s on the news, discussed in the office or at home, you just can’t get away from it, the whole world seems to be telling us what is best for us. The simple truth however is that YOU ARE THE EXPERT and your body is trying to tell you so.

In reality we are just another animal on the planet who has evolved, over time, to know what is best for us to eat. Consequently we know what is not flavoursome and also what might kill us.

We also know that fresh water and fresh fruit and vegetables are the spice of life.

EVERYONE'S AN EXPERT!

Similarly we also know that fatty, processed, sugary foods and drinks are bad for us, we just choose to ignore it. Why have an apple when you can eat cake, or even drink water when you can have a sugary drink with fizz! Animals don’t eat cake or drink fizz and they are not overweight, you see the connection?

Ok the animals on the planet aren’t likely to drop down to the corner shop and ask for cake, but you get the drift.

The simple truth is that we all instinctively know what is right for us, we just choose to ignore it. I will concede however that there may be some confusion over what parts of the nutritional jigsaw puzzle we should be digesting. Also to what extent and when, but on the whole we all know what’s right and what’s wrong.

The thing to do then is to stop listening to the so called experts

We should be gathering together more knowledge on what we know to be right. Only then can we start putting together the awesome food groups that our individual bodies are telling us we need. Now, no two people are completely identical and so no two people will want to eat the same things all their life.

Not even identical twins are that similar so it’s important for you to listen to Your body, the expert. Your body is telling you what it needs and trust me it’s not the burger or chocolate you were just thinking of.

It’s actually one or more of the 6 essential nutrients that your body is craving for and you are refusing to supply it.

WHAT ARE THE SIX TYPES OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS?

WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT AND WHAT IS A NONESSENTIAL NUTRIENT?

Essential nutrients are nutrients that the body cannot make or produce in sufficient quantities and must therefore be obtained through our diet.

Nonessential nutrients can be made by the body or obtained through other sources other than food or drink. Two examples of non essential nutrients would be cholesterol that is produced by the liver or vitamin D that is produced by sunlight.

Have you ever noticed how you become less energetic and your mood becomes blacker during the winter months? That is the effect on your body and mind due to your body producing less vitamin D than in the sunny months. So now you know the reason you are generally happier in summer as opposed to winter.

Maybe it’s not all down to your grouchy partner after all!

WHAT IS A MACRONUTRIENT AND WHAT IS A MICRONUTRIENT?

The six essential nutrients are further classified according to size and energy. Carbohydrate, protein and fat are macronutrients because they make up the bulk of your diet.

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients because they are required in much smaller amounts.

Water is consumed by the body in great amounts but is classed as a micronutrient because it is essential for the body although it does not contain energy.

At this point I would like to point out that I am against the majority of man made or altered processed foods. Most of which seem to be stripped of all of their original nutritional values. These foods are pumped full of sugars, salt, starch and E numbers and then coloured to look nice and tasty.

I am however, totally in favour of the good and preferably organic, natural foods grown on this planet. These foods have evolved over time with us and can satisfy our needs in all departments.

However I must also point out once again, that we are all different and each one of us has different dietary needs. With this in mind please remember that, Just because it is fresh, does not mean that it is necessarily good for you.

Please note that many people have developed allergies over the years and also in addition to that, any sudden dietary changes will shock the body, even in those with no reported allergies.

So if you are going to make changes to your diet please start small and work your way up. If you do have any questions or concerns please see a doctor for advice first and remember that all things must be taken in moderation.

Eating 100 apples in a day for example will not be good for you no matter what the nutritional content!

CARBOHYDRATES

Although low carb diets are popular the fact still remains that, carbohydrates are still one of the essential nutrients that your body requires. This is because carbohydrates are broken down in the body to make glucose (sugar). The body then uses this sugar as its energy source in order to power the body.

Glucose is the brain’s main power supply and uses up approximately 20% of our daily energy!

Anyone who attempts to cut carbs from their diet altogether will risk serious health problems in both the short and the long term. The dietary guidelines I have read on carbs say that for a healthy person we should be eating around 150 – 350 grams of carbohydrates per day.

This figure varies so much because we are all different, in terms of, sizes, needs and metabolic rates. However the documented evidence is that we all need carbs to some degree so why the bad rap?

The answer is that they are often found in high sugar or high starch foods like potatoes which we eat in great numbers. They are also in many processed foods which have a high sugar content, this higher sugar content obviously tastes nice and leads to some people becoming overweight.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON'T EAT ENOUGH CARBOHYDRATES?

As I previously said, glucose is the brain’s major source of fuel, consuming 20% of the bodies daily production of it. However for early man, (or woman), in times of food shortage, the brain needed a backup plan and it got this in the form of ketones.

Ketones are a chemical made in your liver which you produce when you have a glucose shortage.

Your body stores glucose in the form of glycogen in your liver and muscles. When you stop eating carbohydrates your body pulls from this glycogen and breaks it down into glucose. However the muscles also need this glycogen for their energy use so the supply is limited.

After 24 – 48 hours with no carbohydrates the liver starts to produce large volumes of water-soluble compounds called ketones. These are created by the breakdown of fatty acids stored in the liver and from the fat being eaten. More importantly, ketones can cross the blood-brain barrier similar to glucose and provide the brain with an alternative source of energy.

The ketone diet is very popular in some areas but I would argue that it takes some serious work to manage it properly. My other concern is that you are forcing your liver to produce large quantities of a chemical that it is normally storing.

Another factor is that the liver can only make enough ketones to make up 70% of the brains requirements. For the rest of the brains needs the liver also has to produce glucose. This is done through a process called gluconeogenesis, meaning, (“making new glucose”).

Apart from the concerns that I have already outlined and the fact that the brain still requires glucose to function, I cannot justify putting the liver through such hard work.

Surely if this was a better way of doing things then the body would already be doing it!

Changing from a glucose energy source to a ketone energy source in the brain will have some side effects. These may include hunger, irritability, dizziness and confusion.

Prior to starting a ketone diet I would strongly advise seeking medical advice. This is because of the strain put upon the liver. Any defect or, at present, unknown health condition may then prove fatal

ARE FOODS HIGH IN CARBOHYDRATES BAD FOR US?

In the weight loss world the idea that carbs are bad soon took hold and then the rest of the world followed in that thinking. Not all carb rich foods are the same however. So depending upon which food they are in, the body will digest them at differing rates and intensities.

There are 3 types of carbohydrates found in food and these are sugar, starch and fibre.

1. Sugars found in fruit for example are called natural sugars. Whereas sugars found in biscuits, cakes, breakfast cereals and fizzy drinks are called free sugars. Free sugars contribute greatly to our health problems, as it is very hard to limit our intake of these sugars on a daily basis.

2. Starch is found in foods that come from plants particularly potatoes for example. Moreover foods containing starch are a good source of energy and gram for gram, contain fewer than half the calories of fat. It is also true that starchy foods are a good source of fibre, this can be found in the cell walls of the produce.

3. Fibre that cannot be digested helps to move other food and waste products through our gut more easily, which is why we all should have fibre in our diet. Eating plenty of fibre is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and bowel cancer.

Carbohydrates are your bodies main source of energy as they are broken down into glucose (sugar). This is then absorbed into the bloodstream and is used by your body primarily for its fuel. If more glucose is absorbed than can be used then it’s converted into fat for later use.

This is why we should be eating the good carb foods, not the processed sugary ones which we can’t effectively regulate our intake of. You can find good healthy sources of carbohydrates, which are high in fibre, in fruit, vegetables and beans. These healthy foods are also rich sources of other nutrients that the body requires.

I used to tell my kids that they were nature’s sweets just to get them to eat them.

WHAT CARBOHYDRATES SHOULD I BE EATING?

Most of us should be eating a more varied and high fibre diet full of natural produce and less processed and refined foods. Processed foods can be rich in free sugars, additives, preservatives, colourings and low in nutritional value.

These combinations mean that it is difficult to monitor the specific nutritional demands made by the body, therefore health problems can soon start to develop. However, a more varied diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, pulses and high fibre starchy foods, feeds our bodies in the correct way.

This type of diet carries with it more nutrients and is more beneficial to our health. Firstly the extra fibre in these foods makes us feel fuller for longer by adding more bulk to our meal. Secondly it helps to keep our bowels healthy and move waste products from our bodies.

HOW MUCH OF YOUR DIET SHOULD BE STARCHY FOODS?

It is recommended that just over a third of your diet should be made up of starchy foods.

Ideally these foods would include some bread, pasta, potatoes and rice, with another third of being made up of fresh fruit and vegetables. It is also recognised that, in general, white refined products carry less nutritional value than brown or whole grain varieties. So choose accordingly.

White bread, white rice and pasta is basically refined food, low in nutritional value. These foods having been refined to the point where they are stripped of nearly all of the vitamins, minerals and fibre from them. (Basmati rice is the exception to this general rule of thumb).

It is far better to eat brown rice and wholegrain bread and pasta as these foods still have a high nutritional and fibre content within them.

I would say to pay close attention to the labeling however. This is because some manufactures will deliberately use caramel or other products to dye their foods. They do this in a subtle way to convince us that they are good for our daily intake, although in reality, they offer very little nutritional value indeed.

I believe that, in truth, we simply don’t need all these pre packaged processed foods at all. Mankind has existed for centuries without pre packed, pre cooked, heavily coloured or bleached foods. Indeed the evidence seems to point to the fact, that we have survived just fine without them for most of human existence.

Although my teenage sons may argue with that statement!

In my ideal world we would eat natures produce, washed and in its native form with as little cooking as possible.So if you are eating freshly prepared salads, steamed or stir fried vegetables with some lean protein; then you are probably consuming the best carbohydrates that your body could wish for!

Here is a quick suggestion of good carbs to eat in one day:

Breakfast – Banana, hot oats or cold whole grain cereal with natural yoghurt and fruit
Lunch – Spelt or whole grain bread with a veg based soup
Dinner – Sweet potatoes, grilled fish and seasonal veg, salad or beans
Supper – Whole grain cereal with milk

20 CARBOHYDRATES THAT WE SHOULD BE EATING

Oats
Sweet Potatoes
Dates
Prunes
Beans and Legumes
Chickpeas
Dried Apricots or Raisins.
Cherries
Apples
Beetroot

Avocado
Yoghurt (fat free or low fat may have added sugar so be careful)
Bananas (in moderation due to the high sugar content).
Carrots
Spelt
Wild/Brown or Basmati Rice
Quinoa
Oranges
Pumpkin
Butternut Squash

The list of carbohydrates that we should be eating does not override any special diets, medical advice or low carb health plans which you may be undertaking at this moment in time. As advised please make any dietary changes slow so that your body can adapt.

20 CARBOHYDRATES WHICH ARE LOW IN FAT BUT HIGH IN PROTEIN

Ricotta cheese
Eggs
Chickpeas
cow’s Milk
Edamame
Mozzarella Cheese
Pumpkins Seeds
Cottage cheese
Pistachios
Broccoli

Asparagus
Green Peas
Turkey Breast (Skinless)
Chicken (Skinless)
Peanut Butter
Almonds
Fish
Tofu
Artichoke
Chia Seeds

FAT

like carbohydrates this essential nutrient gets a lot of bad press and is rarely talked about as a positive nutrient. When you think of fat do you immediately start thinking of things like grease dripping from cooking meat.

The more imaginative amongst us may even think about or the large coagulated fat burgs in our drain networks. Unfortunately we then mentally transfer this bleak image into our own bodies. Not surprising really as we have been conditioned to do this over the years from the so called “experts”.

Interestingly, do you know that this is because in 1958 an hypothesis was put forward by a physiologist named Ancel Keys. This hypothesis basically stated that, “those countries that ate more fat had a higher death rate due to heart attacks”.

However, Not all the data was shared but his arguments were accepted by the governing medical bodies of the day. These now accepted findings then kicked off the Anti-Fat movement we still see today.

As a consequence to this, foods then started to become more processed and chemically enhanced with additives, plus sugar and salt. We also began the journey where we eat less of the natural unprocessed meats and fats than ever before in our history.

Today we consume vast amounts of fast foods and have become obsessed with trying to figure out the exact contents of them. The actual average nutrient content is very probably low, with the sugar and added preservatives content high. This is why we are rarely satisfied by them. We are always hungry and seem to have weaker immune systems due to the nutrient imbalance in our bodies.

THE TRUTH ABOUT FAT AS AN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT

The truth is that fat is an essential nutrient and so must be doing our bodies good in one way or another. It’s also true that in areas of the world which have fewer processed foods, and where the population consumes a higher fat diet; the people who live in these areas are not all falling down with chronic heart disease or blocked arteries.

Today the way we look at fat and its effects on our bodies is changing, thanks to extensive medical research on the subject. Another truth is that talking about fat, its many forms and how each type affects our bodies is a very large, controversial and complicated subject. So for this reason I will try to keep it brief and simple here.

#FAT IS NOT THE ENEMY

When we think about fat we immediately think about it negatively and probably think of animal fat. However fat can be found in many other foods and surprisingly most of them are very good for us. This is why it is one of the six types of essential nutrients that our bodies require daily.

Fat is essential for your health and it helps to keep the hunger pains at bay, if eaten in the correct quantities and is not heavily processed. Did you know that, in remote tribes who still hunt to feed their families, the fat from the kill is the first thing to be eaten. This is because it is the part of the animal which will give the most energy and nourishment to the hunter.

This fat eating, before meat eating, can also be traced back to early man, (or woman) from the evidence left behind.

We need fats for many of our bodily processes and it is our major source of energy within the body. Our bodies also obtain fats from foods other than just meat and fish. For example, vegans are on a meat free diet so they obtain their fat quota from other foods. Nuts are a good example of this.

Fats also helps to balance hormones, build cell membranes, absorb minerals and the vitamins A, D and E. These vitamins are fat-soluble, meaning that they can only be absorbed with the help of fats.

Fat is also used by the body to sheath the surrounding of nerves. It is essential for blood clotting, muscle movement and inflammation so it isn’t just there to provide energy or to increase a dress size! I hope that you can now see some of the benefits of fat and stop thinking of it as the enemy, or even worse; the harbinger of death.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FAT?

Monounsaturated – think of olive oil – the chemical bonds are loose so it flows.
Polyunsaturated – think of sunflower oil – the chemical bonds are still loose so it still flows.
Saturated – think of cheese – the chemical bonds are tighter so it becomes solid at room temperature.
Trans – added to foods to stop them becoming rancid ( Trans fats are now banned in America).

PROTEIN

Proteins are essential nutrients, they serve many functions and are the building blocks of body tissue. The importance of proteins was recognized by chemist Jons Jacob Berzelius. It was he, who in 1838, coined the term protein from the greek word proteios, meaning “holding first place.”

Interestingly they are also organ specific which means that the proteins in the brain differ to those in the muscle or heart.

Fun Fact 1 | the average person is composed of roughly 62% water, 15% fat, 16% protein, 6 % minerals. The rest of the body is composed of less than 1% carbohydrate, along with trace amounts of vitamins and other substances.

Fun Fact 2 | Aside from water, proteins are the most abundant kind of molecules in the body and can be found in all of the cells within the body.

WHY ARE PROTEINS SO IMPORTANT?

Proteins are made up of thousands of smaller units called amino acids, which are attached together in long chains. There are twenty different types of amino acids. So amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and proteins serve a multitude of purposes in our body.

They serve as enzymes that break down other components into forms that the body can then process and use. Think of you, (as the enzyme) going into a hardware store and taking out only the specific things you need to build a shed, or fix a tap and you should get the idea.

Proteins can be described according to their large range of functions in the body.

Antibody – Antibodies bind to specific foreign particles such as viruses to help protect the body.
Enzyme – Enzymes carry out almost all of the chemical reactions that take place in cells.
Messenger – Messenger proteins transmit signals to coordinate biological processes between different cells, tissues and organs.
Structural Component – They provide cell structure and support and on a larger scale help the body to move.
Transport / Storage – These proteins bind and carry atoms and small molecules within cells and throughout the body.

Proteins also serve as hormones, and cellular repair, especially in the muscles, skin, bone and hair. They are responsible for growth and are needed to form blood cells. Along with this they can also provide us with fuel and other functions which include transferring essential vitamins and minerals to other parts of the body.

Now strap yourselves in folks, the next few bits are a bit intense!

Meat, Milk, eggs, soya bean and fatty fish are sources of complete protein. A complete protein or whole protein is a food source that contains each of the nine essential amino acids necessary in the human diet.

THE NINE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS AND THEIR BASIC FUNCTIONS

Tryptophan – brain and nervous system functions, healthy sleep patterns – eggs, fish, chocolate,red meat, bananas.
Threonine – immune system – heart – bones – lean meat, nuts, seeds, pumpkin, quinoa.
Isoleucine – helps the body produce haemoglobin for blood cells – cashews, oats, lentils, beans, brown rice.
Leucine – muscle strength and growth – immune system, liver – beef, seeds, nuts, tuna, watercress, figs.
Lysine – muscle repair and growth, absorption of minerals – peas, cashews, cheese, chia seeds.

Methionine – new blood vessels and muscle growth – onions, figs, meat, fish, chia seeds.
Phenylalanine – used to help produce hormones and brain chemicals – avocado, leafy greens, olives, seeds, peanuts
Valine – nervous system – cognitive function – whole grains, apples, oranges, broccoli, spinach, chicken.
Histidine – neurotransmitters – tissue damage protection – seafood, potatoes, soya, chia seeds.

Phew that’s a lot of information but it doesn’t stop there! As well as the nine essential amino acids we have, eleven non essential amino acids, which help the essential amino acids fulfill their roles.

THE ELEVEN NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS

Arginine
Glutamine
Tyrosine
Cysteine
Glycine
Proline

Serine
Ornithine
Alanine
Asparagine
Aspartate

The most important aspect and defining characteristic of protein, from a nutritional standpoint, is its amino acid composition.

To be clear; considerable debate has taken place over issues surrounding the bodies protein intake. The amount of protein required in a person’s diet varies considerably day to day. This is because it depends, to a large extent, on the overall energy intake required at any given moment of time.

Body weight, rate of growth, activity level, need for enhanced muscle mass, serious illness and pregnancy are just a few of the many factors involved. These are just some of the factors Which make it difficult when attempting to calculate daily protein requirements.

CAN EATING TO MUCH PROTEIN BE BAD FOR YOU?

On the evidence of studies it was long thought that eating to much protein may be bad for you. However, those studies included diets that were high in animal proteins such as red or processed meats and other dairy products.

There has been little research done on purely plant based products and the risks associated with a high protein vegan diet. This means I can’t give you a definitive answer. Except to say that, a high protein diet may be a problem for those with an existing kidney problem or kidney dysfunction.

It should also be remembered that variety is the key to supporting any diet. Also in addition to that, attention should be given to the vitamin and mineral requirements of the body, especially in pregnancy.

However for healthy people, including the elderly, a higher protein intake may actually be beneficial in helping to decrease muscle loss. In my opinion however, the most effective way to obtain the right amount of protein and all the amino acids is to have a varied diet.

Try to combine different vegetables, grains and pulses such as beans and rice or quinoa and broccoli and stay away from processed alternatives. These foods offer little in the way of good nutritional benefits. You will never find processed meat offered as one of the six types of essential nutrients for life!

15 EXAMPLES OF HIGH PROTEIN VEGAN FOODS

Quinoa – 4g protein per 100g of quinoa (cooked weight).
Garden peas – 7g protein per 100g
Baked beans – 5g protein per 100g (careful of added salt/ sugar and additives) but an easy favorite for kids.
Tofu – 8g protein per 100g
Almonds – 3g protein per six almonds
Lentils, green/red – 9g protein per 100g
Chickpeas – 7g protein per 100g

Pumpkin seeds – 4g protein per tablespoon
Walnuts – 3g protein per three whole walnuts
Buckwheat – 5g protein per 100g
Broccoli – 3g protein per 80g (do not over cook)
Spelt – 5g protein per 100g
Sorghum – 8g protein per 100g
Oats – 10g protein per 100g
Chia seeds – 2g protein per tablespoon

Remember that a balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health, and you should enjoy a variety of healthful foods from all the food groups. Everyone is different, so please use this information to tailor your individual diet and don’t think that one size fits all.

I believe that in today’s world there are many ways to eat healthily and a little knowledge can go a long way.

Eat to be healthy, it’s not about body size, image or how other people view you. Just do what is right for you and then happiness will follow.

WATER

Water provides no calories or organic nutrients, it is colourless, tasteless and odorless and yet it is vitally important to our health. Although you may not think of water as one of the six types of essential nutrients it is essential for our health.

It’s a fact that without its presence in our diet we would be dead in about one week.

This estimate is based upon observations of people at the end of their lives when food and water intake has been stopped.

Here are some amazing facts about the human body and its relationship with water:

1. Blood and the cerebrospinal fluid are composed mostly of water and even seemingly dry human bones are 31% water.

2. Water is the most abundant chemical nutrient present in living human cells. It accounts for 65 to 90 percent of each cell and is also present between cells.

3. Each day we lose 2 to 3 litres of water through breathing, sweating, urine and bowel movements. It is essential that we replace that water to prevent dehydration and even death.

4. Water acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for our joints and regulates our body temperature. It also helps to flush waste and is essential to the workings of the brain and spinal cord.

5. When the brain detects low water levels, it instructs the kidneys to release aquaporins that enable the blood to retain and absorb more water, leading to concentrated dark urine.

Signs of dehydration include:

Fatigue/Low energy levels
Headache
Depression/Anxiety
Dizziness/Fainting
low blood pressure
Poor skin moisture
Cognitive impairment

THE LINK BETWEEN OBESITY AND FLUID INTAKE

The human body has evolved alongside the food sources around it, and extracts from those foods, all the essential nutrients for its survival. Water based fruits and vegetables are key ingredients to the mix as well as fresh flowing natural water.

Today’s heavily processed foods have been stripped of their natural water content. They also have additives such as salt which can lead to a feeling of dehydration. When we eat man made carbohydrates, drink alcohol or eat salt and sugar laden processed foods, the body body cells become starved of water. It is at at this point that the brain becomes confused in today’s modern world.

Mother nature ensured that water was always available to us in our foods in the form of fresh fruit and vegetables. She placed the water here together with the nutrients that we need to survive. So when we ate we effectively also drank.

Now when we eat processed foods it’s easy for the bodies cells to become dehydrated and call for water. The brain then reads this thirst as hunger as it’s looking for those natural foods full of H20. It’s not looking for the salt or sugar in the food you are eating however to satisfy the thirst you eat more!

Think of it this way, vegans tend not to eat processed foods and I personally don’t know many overweight vegans.

Do you?

HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD WE BE DRINKING DAILY?

It has long been thought that we must drink eight glasses of water per day. However that estimate has now been further fine tuned to more conventional thinking.

Taking into consideration our weight and the environment, the figure varies from about 2.5 to 3.7 litres of water for men. The figure for women is a little less at between 2 to 2.7 litres of water.

This range takes into account our age, types of food eaten, health, activity and temperature. However this is still only a guideline so please listen to your body and drink when you require it.

Drinking well may also have other long term benefits. Studies have shown that optimal hydration can lower the chances of stroke and help manage diabetes.It can provide a stronger immune system and can even reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Drinking well will certainly make a big difference in how you will feel, think, treat others and function each day. So listen to your body, drink well and be happier and healthier by, just being hydrated.

VITAMINS

Vitamins are organic compounds produced by bacteria, fungi and plants that we need to ingest in order for the body to function properly. They are the bodies, builders, defenders and general maintenance workers and are an essential part of our diet.

Vitamins are classed as micronutrients and offer a whole range of health benefits.

This became very evident in the 16th century when sailors died from scurvy due to the lack of vitamin C in their diet. Thus, we now know without doubt, that a deficiency in certain vitamins leads directly to disease and even death.

Vitamins come in two types which are described as Lipid Soluble and Water Soluble. The difference between them is how the body transports, stores and ejects the excess amounts of them.

Water soluble vitamins are vitamin C and also vitamin B complex vitamins. These complex vitamins are made up of eight different types, which all do different jobs within the body.

Water soluble vitamins are digested and then carried around the body directly by the blood stream and so can move about freely. Unfortunately the downside of this is that they can quickly find themselves passed back out of the body via the kidneys, therefore they need to be replenished daily.

Lipid soluble vitamins are dissolved in fat and found in foods such as dairy, butter and oils. These vitamins cannot be easily transported in the watery rich blood stream. Instead these vitamins are taken directly to the intestine and broken down by acidic bile flowing in from the liver.

Lipid soluble vitamins, (fat soluble), are: vitamins A – D – E – K

Next they pass through the intestine wall where they can attach themselves to proteins. These proteins can then carry them easily in the bloodstream and deliver them around the body.

Any excess Lipid soluble vitamins can be stored in fat cells in the liver. These vitamins can then be retrieved and used as and when the body requires them so do not need daily replenishment.

A FEW HEALTH BENEFITS OF VITAMINS

Maintain and boost the immune system
Strengthens blood vessels and blood
Strengthens bone, teeth and muscle
Keeps the skin healthy and elastic
Maintains healthy eyes

Aids the brain and nervous system functions
Prevents or delays serious diseases
Prevents birth defects
Aids in blood coagulation
Helps to release energy from food

WHAT DOES EACH VITAMIN DO?

Vitamin A – healthy teeth, skin, eyes and immune system – eggs, cheese, liver (if pregnant don’t eat liver due to it’s high vitamin A content which can harm an unborn baby).
Vitamin B – energy production, immune function, iron absorption – whole grains, potatoes, bananas, molasses.
Vitamin C – anti-oxidant, skin elasticity, strong blood vessels – oranges, kiwi, guava, brussels sprouts, green peppers.

Vitamin D – strong healthy bones, teeth and muscle – eggs, red meat, liver, salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring.
Vitamin E – blood circulation,healthy skin and eyes – almonds plus other nuts and seeds, plant oils and tomatoes.
Vitamin K – blood coagulation, healthy bones – leafy greens, broccoli and vegetable oils.

WHAT ARE THE EIGHT VITAMIN B COMPLEX VITAMINS?

Vitamin B is a complex vitamin made up of eight different types all of which do different jobs within the body, these types are:

B1 – Thiamin – release energy from food, healthy nervous system – peas, dried fruit and liver.
B2 – Riboflavin – healthy skin and eyes – milk, eggs and rice, (UV light can destroy riboflavin so store out of direct sunlight).
B3 – Niacin – release energy from food, healthy nervous system and eyes – milk, fish, wheat flour and eggs.
B5 – Pantothenic acid – release energy from food, healthy brain – almost all meat and vegetables.
B6 – Pyridoxine – form haemoglobin, allows the storage storage of energy – potatoes, soya bean, peanuts, milk pork and fish.
B7 – Biotin – breaks down fat – in most natural foods in low levels and the gut bacteria can make biotin.
B9 – Folate – also known as folacin and the man-made form named Folic acid – forms red blood cells, helps prevent birth defects.
B12 – Known as B12 – healthy nervous system, release energy from food – cod, cheese, salmon, milk and eggs

Without this range of vitamins the human body would face deficiencies that would cause a huge range of problems. These would include fatigue, nerve problems, heart disorders and the inability to fight infection.

It also has to be said that overloading the body with vitamin supplements can cause toxicity. This means that we have to be very careful with our choices. However by being mindful about what we eat and having a wide and varied diet should see us ok in hitting that vitamin jackpot.

This is why mother nature provided us with the six types of essential nutrients in our food and not in a bottle!

MINERALS

minerals are naturally occurring inorganic elements. They can be found on the periodic table and our body needs them in trace amounts to help regulate bodily functions.

Minerals are micronutrients which means that we measure the amount the body requires in milligrams, unlike macronutrients which are measured in grams. Some minerals we require in larger amounts, (over 100mg per day) and these are classed as major minerals. Those minerals that we require less than 100mg per day are classed as trace minerals.

WHAT DO MAJOR AND TRACE MINERALS DO?

Major minerals – over 100mg per day.

Sodium – balances body fluids – meat, shellfish, seaweed.
Potassium – balance of bodily fluids – bananas, turkey, beef.
Chloride – helps to digest food – cheese, bacon, bread.
Calcium – strong bones, regulates muscle contractions – milk, tofu, cheese, nuts.
Phosphorus – release energy from food – oats, fish, poultry.
Magnesium – food into energy – spinach, wholegrain bread.
Sulphur – required by amino acids – garlic, onion, broccoli.

Trace minerals – under 100mg per day.

Iron – transport of oxygen in blood – eggs, poultry, cereals.
Copper – produce red and white blood cells – nuts, offal.
Zinc – wound healing – meat, wheatgerm, shellfish.
Selenium – immune system – eggs, meat, fish, brazil nuts.
Iodine – regulates bodily chemical reactions – sea fish, shellfish.
Chromium – influences insulin – lentils, spices, potatoes.
Fluoride – teeth enamel – water, tea leaves.
Manganese – activates enzymes – tea, cereals, nuts.
Others – required by the body in very low levels.

Three of the above minerals account for 98% of the body’s mineral content by weight and these are calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

Calcium and phosphorus play many roles within the body at a cellular level. They are best known for being major components of bone matter. Magnesium is an essential element required to enable the production and activation of many enzymes. Consequently it is vital for the body’s metabolic process.

Magnesium and phosphorus are easily absorbed by the body. Happily they can be found in most animal and vegetable foods, as well as those foods high in calcium content. Problems associated with a lack of magnesium or phosphorus elements are low. This is primarily due to their abundance and also by being very easily absorbed by the body.

Low calcium intake however can be a problem with those trying to limit their dairy, milk and fat intake in their diets. The average adult needs about 1000mg of calcium per day and this figure will rise as you grow older or are pregnant.

Smoking inhibits the body’s ability to synthesize calcium so a smoker will need to increase their calcium intake levels regardless of age.

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH A LOW CALCIUM INTAKE?

Low calcium levels can lead to a risk of osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones which can lead to fractures and weakened limbs. For those wishing to limit the amount of fat in their diets I would recommend non fat yoghurts, dairy and milk. All of which are still excellent sources of calcium without carrying the extra calories.

Another factor in low calcium diets are those diets with a very high protein content. The problem here is that these diets may increase the amount of calcium excreted in the urine. This would inevitably result in a decrease in the amount of calcium needed for bone building.

In addition to trying to get enough calcium, we should also be incorporating some form of exercise into our daily lives. We should do this in order to prevent muscle and bone loss through inactivity.

IN SUMMARY:

A couple of things to bear in mind is that having variety in your diet is really important. A person needs to consume all six types of the essential nutrients to ensure a healthy body and life. These nutrients support life, are essential to our core bodily functions and are central to preventing disease.

Typically a person eating a well balanced diet that includes, fruit, vegetables, proteins, fish, water and carbohydrates will get all the nutrients that they need. People with special dietary needs, or medical conditions, may need to take additional supplements to aid their dietary requirements.

I have briefly mentioned supplements in this post, however I would strongly advise talking to a healthcare professional prior to adding them to any diet.

The information found in this post is purely for your consideration and is by no means exhaustive on every subject. Any health plan or major change to your diet that you wish to undertake should be discussed with a healthcare professional or dietician first. You must also take any allergies or existing medical conditions into account.

There are some combinations of healthy food which inhibit our body’s ability to process the vitamins and minerals that we need. So once again I would stress that the six types of essential nutrients give us the variety which is the key to a healthy diet.

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