Question

Why are micronutrients and macronutrients called so? What role do they play?

Answer 1

Nutrients are the chemical substances in our food that provide us with the energy which facilitates or requires further repair or growth in our body and carries out different processes in all living organisms.

Complete Answer-
Nutrients are divided into 2 categories -
Macronutrients- which are required in large amounts.
Micronutrients- which are required in small amounts.
Let us discuss them in detail.
Macronutrients- These nutrients are essential and required by the human body in large amounts. These nutrients provide energy to the body. These are also known as major elements. These can be obtained for the function of the metabolic system. Examples of macronutrients are- fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, etc.
These nutrients are mainly found in cereals, fish, leguminous crops, nuts, oilseeds, etc.
Micronutrients- These nutrients are essential and required by the human body in small and minute amounts. These are also known as trace elements and provide essential components for the process of metabolism. Also, it prevents diseases. These nutrients also help to build and repair the damaged cells and tissues for the proper functioning of the body. Micronutrients include iron fibres, calcium, vitamins, etc. and are mostly found in fruits, vegetables, eggs, etc.
The plant based macronutrients are also essential in large quantities and it cannot be produced in our body by itself. There are 16 nutrients in which 13 are supplied and out of 13 the 6 nutrients are required in large quantities. They are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur.

Note-
The excessive consumption of both the macro and micro nutrients has a negative and dangerous impact on our health. Similarly, the deficiency can also cause disbalance in our body.
So, it is very important to have a balanced diet which includes the required quantity of these nutrients by our body.