Nutrients: meaning, definitions and examples
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nutrients
[ˈnjuːtriənts ]
Definition
essential for health
Nutrients are substances in food that provide nourishment for the body. They are essential for health, growth, and development, and include vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Synonyms
elements, nourishment, substances.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nutrients |
This term is commonly used in the context of food, diet, and biology to describe components that provide necessary support for growth and life.
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| nourishment |
Nourishment implies providing substances that are necessary for growth, health, and good condition, often used in a more holistic and less scientific context.
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| substances |
This term is very broad and can refer to any type of matter, often used in scientific, medical, or legal contexts.
|
| elements |
This word is most often used in scientific contexts, such as chemistry, to describe basic building blocks of matter. In a broader context, it can also refer to essential parts of a complex whole.
|
Examples of usage
- Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients is important for overall well-being.
- The doctor recommended increasing the intake of nutrients through fruits and vegetables.
- Nutrients play a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'nutrire,' which means 'to nourish,' showing its connection to the idea of feeding or taking care of something.
- It entered the English language in the early 19th century, highlighting the growing interest in health and diet during that time.
Science
- There are six main classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water, each playing a vital role in our health.
- Macronutrients like carbohydrates and proteins provide energy, while micronutrients like vitamins and minerals help with various body functions.
- Some nutrients are essential, meaning our bodies cannot produce them, so we must get them from food.
Cultural Significance
- Different cultures emphasize various foods for their nutrient content, often based on local agriculture and traditions, such as rice in Asia or quinoa in South America.
- Traditional medicinal systems, like Ayurveda, focus on nutrient balance in foods to promote health and prevent diseases.
Health Insights
- Balanced diets rich in diverse nutrients can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
- Research suggests that the quality of nutrients consumed is just as important as the quantity, with whole foods generally providing better health benefits.
Pop Culture
- In recent years, documentaries and media have spotlighted superfoods, emphasizing nutrients that provide exceptional health benefits and promoting trends in healthy eating.
- Celebrity chefs and fitness influencers often advocate for nutrient-dense meals, impacting how people perceive nutrition and meal preparation today.
Translations
Translations of the word "nutrients" in other languages:
🇵🇹 nutrientes
🇮🇳 पोषक तत्व
🇩🇪 Nährstoffe
🇮🇩 nutrisi
🇺🇦 поживні речовини
🇵🇱 składniki odżywcze
🇯🇵 栄養素
🇫🇷 nutriments
🇪🇸 nutrientes
🇹🇷 besinler
🇰🇷 영양소
🇸🇦 المغذيات
🇨🇿 živiny
🇸🇰 živiny
🇨🇳 营养素
🇸🇮 hranila
🇮🇸 næringarefni
🇰🇿 қоректік заттар
🇬🇪 ნივთიერებები
🇦🇿 qida maddələri
🇲🇽 nutrientes