Nutrition plays an important role in the health and well-being of every individual. It provides the energy the body needs to function properly, contributes to its construction and regeneration, and helps protect it against various diseases. To understand the importance of food to our bodies, it's essential to look at its nutrients. These are divided into two main categories: Macronutrients and micronutrients

Macronutrients: energy suppliers

Macronutrients include proteins, carbohydrates and fats, which are the main suppliers of calories, i.e. energy for the body.

Proteins, made up of amino acids, are essential for building and regenerating muscles and skin. They are found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes such as lentils and oilseeds such as almonds.

Carbohydrates serve as energy fuel. First, there are the simple carbohydrates known as "fast sugars", such as white sugar (also known as sucrose), fruit (fructose), honey and maple syrup. Then there are the complex carbohydrates, also known as "slow sugars", mainly present in the form of starch and fiber, as in bread, pasta, potatoes and all cereals (rice, wheat, quinoa, etc.).

Lipids play a role in energy storage. They are made up of all the fats present in food and in the body. There are two main categories of lipids: saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids, which are the good lipids for the body. They come from two main sources: animal products such as meat, deli meats, cheese and eggs, and plant products such as seeds, oleaginous fruits and vegetable oils.

Micronutrients: essential to the body's functioning

These nutrients do not provide energy, but they are nonetheless essential for the body to function properly. Micronutrients are vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Vitamins are divided into fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble vitamins (C and B). Vitamins are needed for a wide range of biological functions, from building the body to maintaining it in good working order.

Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc and sodium contribute to various essential functions, such as bone formation, blood pressure regulation and nervous and muscular system function.

Dietary fiber: for healthy intestinal transit

Although classified in the carbohydrate family, fiber plays a unique role in the diet. Non-digestible, it promotes good intestinal transit, helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and plays a role in weight management. The main sources are plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes and oilseeds.

The importance of a balanced diet

A balanced diet, rich in macronutrients and micronutrients, is crucial to good health. It must include a wide variety of foods to cover all the body's needs: energy foods for fuel, building foods for growth and protective foods rich in vitamins and minerals for overall health. In conclusion, a healthy, balanced diet gives your body the best tools to function optimally and protect itself against disease.