This article is a brief rundown on the topic of nutrients, provided by Swiss Sciences Nutrition advice.

Nutrients are the chemicals your body needs to live and grow. Nutrients are used to create and repair body tissues and regulate the body's processes. Energy is created in our bodies as a result of the conversions of many nutrients.

Nutrients are classified in a variety of ways. Nutrients are classified as either organic or inorganic, as either macro nutrients or micro nutrients, as either "essential" or "non-essential", and as substances that either "provide energy" or "support metabolism". The major classes of nutrients include: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Swiss Sciences Nutrition is involved in the study of these nutrients and their effects on the body.

Carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins are nutrients that come from living organisms. These make up the organic nutrients. Non-living substances like minerals, water and oxygen are referred to as inorganic nutrients.

Macronutrients are substances our bodies require in large quantities such as carbohydrates, fats, protein and water while micronutrients are only required in trace amounts such as vitamins and minerals.

Nutrients that cannot be created by our body's chemical processes are called essential nutrients. It is necessary to receive these types of nutrients through consumption of food or supplements. Nonessential nutrients are created by our bodies.

Energy providing nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They nutrients are broken down in the body's digestive system and turned into energy. Metabolism supporting nutrients include dietary minerals, vitamins, and water.

The different classes of nutrients are as follows:

The Carbohydrates

Sugars, starches, and fiber are the nutrients classified as complex carbohydrates. Foods such as rice, wheat, noodles, bread and other grains are all high in carbohydrates. Though they are an important part of our everyday diet carbohydrates can have a negative effect on our health when consumed in large quantities. Highly processed simple carbohydrates such as sugars and starches can have seriously detrimental effects on our health if consumed in large quantities.

Fiber

Also considered a carbohydrate is fiber. Fiber can be classed as soluble or insoluble. Foods like whole grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables all contain significant amounts of fiber. The benefits of Fiber are many. It improved digestion by passing food along in the digestive tract for one. It also helps lower blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of sugar, which can lower the risks of such diseases as type 2 diabetes.

Proteins

Proteins are made up of amino acids. These are required to produce the substances that make up muscle tissue, skin, and hair. They also create enzymes, which are required by our bodies to control chemical reactions.

The Fats

Saturated fats and unsaturated fats are the main classifications of fats. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature and are the basis of animal fats, while unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and typically associated with vegetable oils. Unsaturated fats are considered healthier than saturated fats as they are more easily broken down in our bodies. Unsaturated fats can be further broken down into omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids. Trans-fats are unsaturated fats that have been "hydrogenated" and become solid at room temperature. Trans-fats are the least healthy of the fats and have been shown to be detrimental to our health.

The Vitamins

Most vitamins can't be created in our bodies. They are considered essential nutrients and must be eaten either in our food or in dietary supplements. Many diseased can occur as a result of vitamin deficiencies - among them are cancer, immune system weaknesses, and osteoporosis.

Minerals

Minerals are substances required by our bodies that are not found in organic molecules. Some of the main minerals we consume are calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Minerals can be added to our diet in the form of supplements.

Foods will invariably contain a mixture of nutrient classes. Some can be stored in our bodies while others must be consumed on a regular basis. A deficiency of the required nutrients can lead to poor health. Swiss Sciences Nutrition recommends a well balanced diet which contains an ample amount of the required nutrients. Swiss Sciences Nutrition creates some of the highest quality nutritional products and information. Swiss Sciences nutrition supplies written materials and books providing the added benefit of educational material to help in the quest for healthy weight loss.

Swiss Sciences nutrition is the creator and marketer of some of the highest quality weight loss products in the world. Swiss Sciences nutrition supplies written materials and books providing educational material to help in the quest for healthy weight loss.

Swiss Sciences Nutrition offices are located in Clearwater, FL, US