Macronutrients and Micronutrients

Student’s Name
Professor’s Name
Course
Date
Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Nutrients play a vital part in the survival of human beings as well as other organisms. Nutrients are divided into two which include macronutrients and micronutrients. The main difference between the two is that the body requires large amounts of macronutrients for proper functioning, while micronutrients are only required in a small amount. Major macronutrients include carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Micronutrients include vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals responsible for the proper functioning of the body.
Macronutrients are essential since they ensure optimum functioning of the entire body. For instance, carbohydrates contain high amounts of fiber and they ought to be consumed in large amounts to promote proper body growth. The same applies to fish and dairy products which contain large quantities of protein (Berdanier and Zempleni 113). Macronutrients also contain loads of calories which provides energy to different parts of the body such as the brain, heart, and kidney. They are also very instrumental during exercise since they help in endurance and muscle growth. Additionally, it can be seen that macronutrients are responsible for other body functions such as repairing of tissues, energy storage, blood clotting and normal functioning of cells. The fats are also responsible for maintaining the optimum body temperature and vitamin storage.
On the other hand, micronutrients do not contain calories that provide body energy, but they are mainly comprised of large amounts of antioxidants.

Antioxidants play an integral role in protecting the body from the effects of free radicals. These are the molecules the body produces during energy production especially during periods of exercise. Free radicals can result in oxidative stress as well as straining of the muscles tissues. Also, they help in eradicating toxins that negatively impact body health thus promoting a good healthy life. Additionally, micronutrients help in the creation of enzymes and other components that help in improving different functions of the body. Other major functions of micronutrients include the production of hormones that enhance a strong immune system, promote the growth of healthy hair, development of strong bones and teeth, prevent communicable diseases as well as promote good skin.
Work Cited
Berdanier, Carolyn D, and Janos Zempleni. Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism. CRC Press, 2008.