Day 5: Micro and Macro nutrients
So first, we started the class by searching the definition of a nutrient before explaining the two types of it.We found that a nutrient is a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of organism.So the next question was how do plants obtain nutrients and we concluded that plants obtain their nutrients from soil, water and solar energy.While brainstorming and discussing, a doubt arised about if vitamins were also nutrients and that if us as humans could obtain a type of vitamin from the sun.So we searched the definition of vitamins and yes they are nutrients. Vitamins are nutrients required by the body in small amounts, for a variety of essential processes.
Now the professor told us to investigate what a micro and macro nutrient are.
What is macronutrient?
Macronutrients can refer to the chemical elements that humans consume in the largest quantities and they provide energy.Macronutrients are divided in: carbs, proteins, and fats.
What is micronutrient?
Minerals and vitamins.
Minerals: Fluoride, selenium, sodium, iodine, copper, and zinc.
Vitamins: liposoluble and water soluble.
What can we find in gatorade? Is it good or bad for you?
Gatorade: agua tratada, sacarose, glucose, citric acid, ,sodium citrate, monopotasium phosphate, gum arabic, natural strawberry flavor, natural kiwi flavor, sster diglycerol and caramel color .
What is gum arabic?
Gum arabic is a complex mixture of glycoproteins and polysaccharides. It is the original source of the sugars arabinose and ribose, both of which were first discovered and isolated from it, and are named after it.Gum arabic is used primarily in the food industry as a stabilizer. It is edible and has E number E414.
Beneficial effects of gum arabic:
Promotes good digestion, alleviates constipation, strengthen immune system, control blood sugar, lowering cholesterol lever, get rid of sore throat, keep healthy teeth, help in weight loss, fight oxidative stress, and improves kidney function
What are E numbers?
Food additive allowed by the European Union to be added into foods.
E number range Subranges Description
List from 100–199 Colours 100–109 yellows 110–119 oranges 120–129 reds 130–139 blues & violets 140–149 greens 150–159 browns & blacks 160–199 gold and others
List from 200–299 Preservatives 200–209 sorbates 210–219 benzoates 220–229 sulphites 230–239 phenols & formates (methanoates) 240–259 nitrates 260–269 acetates (ethanoates) 270–279 lactates 280–289 propionates (propanoates) 290–299 others
List from 300–399 Antioxidants & acidity regulators 300–305 ascorbates (vitamin C) 306–309 Tocopherol (vitamin E) 310–319 gallates & erythorbates 320–329 lactates 330–339 citrates & tartrates 340–349 phosphates 350–359 malates & adipates 360–369 succinates & fumarates 370–399 others
List from 400–499 Thickeners, stabilisers & emulsifiers 400–409 alginates 410–419 natural gums 420–429 other natural agents 430–439 polyoxyethene compounds 440–449 natural emulsifiers 450–459 phosphates 460–469 cellulose compounds 470–489 fatty acids & compounds 490–499 others
List from 500–599 pH regulators & anti-caking agents 500–509 mineral acids & bases 510–519 chlorides & sulphates 520–529 sulphates & hydroxides 530–549 alkali metal compounds 550–559 silicates 570–579 stearates & gluconates 580–599 others
What are minerals and which ones do we need?
Calcium (helps maintain your bones)(diary products) , potassium (nuts spinach and avocado), sodium (sardin, tuna, and reserved tomatoes), magnesium (peanuts, nuts), phosphorus (legumes, fruits and dried fruits), chloride (cereals, vegetables and nuts)..
What are vitamins and which ones do we need?
Vitamins divide in fat soluble and water soluble vitamins.
Key learning Points:
Macronutrients are needed in large quantities (protein, carbohydrates and fats).
Micronutrients are needed in small quantities (vitamins and minerals).
E numbers are food additive or coloring.
