Nutritional terms

The most important nutritional terms

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are considered macronutrients. Our body uses these nutrients either to produce energy, or as "building material" for its various constituent parts, e.g. muscles, organs, bones, fat, cells, hormones, enzymes, etc. In addition to water and micronutrients, macronutrients are, in some cases, essential for survival and ensure the normal function of the entire organism.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, unlike proteins and fats, are not essential for humans. Nevertheless, they play an essential role because they are important sources of energy for our body and give us the necessary power for our training and for our daily lives. Some examples of foods rich in carbohydrates are: bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, vegetables, fruit.

Fats

Fats are also used as energy carriers, and are mainly used for long-term and low muscular loads. They also control the body's hormonal balance, and transport fat-soluble vitamins. This ensures an adequate supply of micronutrients. Fats can be found in oils, nuts, avocados, eggs and fatty meat. A lot of good things have been said about polyunsaturated fats. A number of health benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved brain development, greater cardiovascular and bone health, and much more, are associated with these kinds of fats. They are found in linseed oil, walnut oil, fatty fish and seeds, for example.

Proteins

Proteins are composed of many different amino acids, and play a decisive role in various vital processes in the body. Some of their most important functions include the development of new cells as well as skin, muscle and nerve cells. They represent the basic building blocks of all human cells, so to speak. The human organism has no storage capacity for proteins so they must be supplied daily through food. That’s why a sufficient supply of protein is essential for muscle growth. Proteins also protect existing muscles against muscle breakdown such as during a diet for example. However, one often ignored factor is that proteins strengthen our immune system, and support other vital processes. Foods rich in protein include meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. Plant-based sources of protein are legumes such as lentils, beans, peas, soy products and tofu. You can also resort to using protein powder, either vegetable or animal based, as a protein source.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients include vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, minerals, and manganese, as well as secondary plant substances like carotenoids and flavonoids. Many of these micronutrients are essential nutrients that your body needs. In other words, they cannot be produced by the body itself, and must be ingested through food. Even if they are only needed in relatively small quantities, micronutrients are nevertheless indispensable for the optimum function of the human body or the entire organism. The following foods contain micronutrients: Meat, fish and eggs from animal-friendly farming, as well as cereal products such as oats, wholemeal products and potatoes have a high micronutrient density.

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The most important nutritional terms

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates

Fats

Proteins

Micronutrients

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The most important nutritional terms

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates

Fats

Proteins

Micronutrients

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