Another important task of nutrients is to provide people with a balanced diet and eat proper amounts of food. Macronutrients are such nutrients that are required in comparatively larger proportions, as compared with micronutrients.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are of three types namely sugars, starches, and fibers. Sugars are classified as simple carbohydrates and are easily digested and assimilated by the body therefore offering energy but not making you full. They also lead to elevations in blood sugar levels and are likely to contribute to type 2 diabetes with its severities. Fiber, another type of carbohydrate, comes in different forms: Unfortunately, some of them are split for energy, some are digested by the bacteria in our intestines, and the rest are expelled. While refined carbs in the diet are what make a person sugared up for a short period, fiber and unprocessed starches are the complex carbs because they dissipate slowly, helping a person avoid diabetes and cardiovascular disease and even prevent colorectal cancer. We pick complex carbohydrates because they are healthier than sugars and refined carbohydrates.

Proteins

The building blocks of proteins are amino acids and they are natural organic molecules. There are 20 distinct amino acids of which 8 are indispensable and have to be provided in the diet, the remaining can be synthesized in the human body. While some foods are reported as complete proteins that can supply the body with all the necessary amino acids, other foods offer various amounts of amino acids. Plant foods generally lack all the complete proteins, thus a vegan should maintain a variety of foods in a given day.

Fats

Fat-soluble vitamins are an important function of fats as they act as hormones in the body, help the body in moving for smooth muscle, joint lubrication, and control hormone-secreting organs. However, the consumption of fats can cause obesity, high cholesterol, liver diseases, and some other diseases. The type of fat consumed is important: polyunsaturated fats, obtainable from sources such as olive oil, are healthier than saturated fats which are obtained from animal products.

Water

The adult human body is known to consist of up to sixty percent water, which is required for various functions of the body. Water is one of the substances that has no energy value, and does not contain any calories. The daily allowance of water is at least 2,000 ml or eight glasses of water per day; however, water can also be obtained from the foods we eat, especially fruits and vegetables. Consistent enough fluid balance in the body can be denoted by pale yellow-colored urine. The human body’s water needs differ according to the size, age, climate, activity level, and health of an individual.