The world of natural health can be pretty confusing. We are all aware that we need nutrients in our diet. But with macro and micronutrients in the picture, it can be difficult to determine which is most beneficial to health.

Well, relax. Every type of nutrient is a good nutrient. Macro and micronutrients should both be included in your diet. It’s just important to get the right balance of each.

This article will explore the difference between micro and macro nutrients so you can make sure you are getting a healthy mix in your diet.

What are Nutrients?

Let’s start by getting a good understanding of what a nutrient is.

A nutrient is a substance that plays a vital role in survival, growth, and reproduction.  It provides us with energy and gives us the ability to perform essential functions. Nutrients are essential to everyday life.

Our body functions are carried out by chemical compounds which are created through chemical reactions. But our bodies don’t have all the compounds it needs to create these reactions. The nutrients in food and water help our bodies produce these compounds so it can carry out everyday functions.

What are Macronutrients?

Macronutrients are nutrients that are consumed in large quantities. The most important macronutrients are as follows:

• Protein: Protein is a building block of the body’s tissues, bones, skin, organs, and hair. It helps the brain communicate with the body. It also provides energy and aids with the building of lean muscle.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. They can be either simple or complex. Simple carbs are easy to break down and provide the body with a quick burst of energy. Complex carbs contain fiber and therefore, take longer to break down, so they provide energy throughout the day.
• Fats: Fats are another essential building block of the body. They make up some of our hormones. They also improve brain function. There are three types of fats: saturated, unsaturated and trans fats. Unsaturated fats are healthy fats you should be adding to your diet while trans fats should be avoided.
• Water: Water is important as the blood is primarily composed of water. It also limits the risk of dehydration which can be very dangerous.

What are Micronutrients?

As you can probably guess, micronutrients are much smaller than macronutrients. In fact, they are microscopic. They are also eaten in much smaller quantities than macronutrients. They include:

• Vitamins: There are 13 essential vitamins, each of which play a different role in the body. Many are antioxidants that help boost immunity. Others help build strong bones and aid with circulation.
• Minerals: There are various minerals, and each offers its own benefits and characteristics. Some support digestion while others are good for the nervous system, heart health, etc. Minerals can be further broken down into macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) are needed in large quantities while trace minerals are needed in smaller quantities, but they are still essential.

Now that you know the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients, you can you follow a well-rounded diet. Which nutrients will you be including in your routine to reach your wellness goals?