Question

What are macronutrients and why are they called macronutrients?

Answer 1

Nutrients are the substances that are utilized by the body to fulfil the energy requirements. The body requires the energy for the nourishment, growth, metabolism, reproduction, etc. of the body. The nutrients are of two types: micronutrient and macronutrients. The ‘macro ‘as the name suggests the nutrients which are required in larger quantities.

Complete step by step answer:
The human body requires various supplements for the normal growth of the body, reproduction, etc. The nutrients are defined as the substances which nourish and maintain the life and growth of a living body. The nutrients provide the energy which is necessary for the well-functioning of the body. However, not every nutrient provides energy.
The nutrients can be obtained from the environment.
There are two types of nutrients required by the human body. These are:

1. Macronutrients
2. Micronutrients
   Let's have a conversation about macronutrients.
   The word ‘macro’ means a large amount. Thus the macronutrients are the nutrients that are required in a larger amount.
   These nutrients are required in large quantities for the growth and development of living organisms. The macronutrients are the major source of energy for the metabolic systems. The obtained energy can be stored in the human body. The macronutrients may include carbohydrates, fats, or protein which are the primary source of energy.
   Let's consider the macronutrients required by the human body.
3. Carbohydrate:
   -These are in the form of starch or sugar.
   -The carbohydrates are obtained from the wheat, rice, millets etc. These break down in the body to generate energy to fuel the daily activities.
   -The carbohydrates provide energy for $\text{ }45-65{\scriptstyle{}^{0}/{}_{0}}\text{ }$daily needs.
   -Some carbohydrate is converted into the glycogen which is stored in the liver and muscle. This is converted into the energy source whenever needed.
4. Protein:
   -Proteins are obtained from fish, meat, eggs, pulses, etc.
   -Proteins are broken down into amino acids in the body.
   -These amino acids are utilized as the ‘building block ‘for new proteins which are needed for the growth and repair of tissue, for making hormones and enzymes, and the immune system.
   -Protein is also considered as the energy source.
5. Fats:
   -The body obtained the fat from meat, butter, milk, etc.
   -The fat is an additional source of energy. The daily energy requirement is fulfilled by the consumption of fats and oils.

So, here we can say that the macronutrients are the primary source of the energy for the well-functioning, growth, etc. of the body.

Note: The body requires the macronutrients in the larger amount. There are six macronutrients that are required by the plants: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and sulphur. These macronutrients are absorbed by the roots of the plant and used in the production of energy.