Many people don’t realize that they need certain nutrients in order to function properly. Although the human body produces many vitamins, it doesn’t produce any minerals. The human body needs these substances from external sources. The amount of micronutrients in food varies, but they are essential for the body’s proper functioning. Some nutrients are necessary to fight disease, while others are only necessary in small amounts. Even though micronutrients are not toxic in high doses, they should be consumed in adequate amounts. In fact, excessive consumption of some of these substances can cause mental retardation or visual impairment.
There are two major categories of nutrients: macrominerals and micronutrients. Those that are required in small amounts are known as micronutrients. These nutrients are essential for the body’s proper functioning. In order to receive sufficient amounts of these nutrients, one should consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. To learn more about the benefits of a healthy diet, visit the Michigan State University Extension’s website.
Last Line
There are over 30 types of micronutrients, including water-soluble vitamins and macrominerals. Several of them cannot be synthesized by the body and must be ingested. The British sailors knew that a diet low in fruits and vegetables would lead to a fatal condition called scurvy, which is characterized by listlessness and bleeding gums. Today, many people in low-income countries suffer from a nutrient-deficiency disease.