A nutrient is the material that the cells of an organism need to produce the energy used in the functions of growth, repair and reproduction, metabolism, among others.
Food is substances that provide living beings with matter and energy; In other words, the substances found in food and which are necessary to fulfill the vital functions of organisms are known as nutrients.
The ancient Greek alchemists, were more philosophers than scientists, believed that food contained a single life-giving substance; But over the centuries and as technology has advanced, a greater number of these nutrients have been discovered that contain a wide variety of chemical substances that, for convenience, have been grouped into comprehensive classes.
Nutrients can be organic and inorganic, among the latter we have water, which constitutes more than 60% of our body, and is used as a means for the decomposition of food; and to minerals, which are substances that intervene in enzymatic processes and metabolism (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iodine and iron).
Among the organic nutrients are carbohydrates, which constitute the main immediate energy source of the body and can be stored as reserve substances, they are in foods such as fruits, potatoes, corn, rice, etc. The lipids or fats, which are sources of higher energy to carbohydrates and protect organs against shocks, are oils, butters, etc.
Proteins are also found, which are made up of amino acids, are used in the repair of tissues and organs of the body, and are an emergency energy source, they are found in dairy products, meats, eggs, etc. And finally, the vitamins that are organic substances in many foods, essential for the proper functioning of the body and prevention of diseases, are found in fruits, vegetables, milk, etc.
It should be noted that good health requires a combination of these foods, known to us as a balanced diet.
