The two main categories of nutrients are macro- and micro-nutrients.
Protein, carbs, and lipids are macro-nutrients. Vitamins, minerals, and other other substances are examples of micro-nutrients. An “essential nutrient” is a different classification. As the term suggests, an essential nutrient is something that the body cannot produce on its own and must thus be received from diet. To stay alive and healthy, we need to consume a variety of vitamins, minerals, nine to eleven amino acids, and two fatty acids. Understanding the fundamentals of macro-nutrients is crucial since being able to make the right decisions only comes from having a basic understanding of what we consume every day. The optimal types, amounts, and ratios of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats constitute what is meant by “proper choices.”
