Introduction:

There is great confusion between the terms nutrient and food, since both are related to human nutrition, but in reality they are different concepts. In simple terms, a nutrient is any substance that the body needs to function properly, while a food is any substance that the body can use as a nutrient source.

Nutrient:

A nutrient is a chemical substance that the body needs to function properly, maintain its vital processes, and maintain optimal health. There are many types of nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and minerals. These substances are necessary to build and repair tissues, maintain the balance of body fluids, produce hormones and enzymes, and provide energy to the body.

Types of nutrients:

• Proteins: They are essential for building and repairing tissues and play an important role in the body's production of hormones and enzymes.
• Carbohydrates: They provide energy to the body and are necessary to maintain proper blood glucose balance.
• Lipids: They are essential for the proper absorption of some vitamins and for the production of hormones and chemicals in the body.
• Vitamins: They are necessary to maintain health and well-being of the body, they help in the absorption of nutrients and are important for the functioning of the immune system.
• Minerals: They are important for the construction and maintenance of tissues, as well as for maintaining water balance in the body.

Food:

Food, on the other hand, are substances that contain nutrients and are consumed by humans to obtain energy and other essential nutrients. Foods can be of animal or plant origin and can be classified based on their nutritional content. For example, some foods are high in protein, while others are high in carbohydrates or lipids.

Examples of foods:

• Milk: Source of proteins, fats and calcium.
• Eggs: Source of proteins and lipids.
• Rice: Carbohydrate source.
• Vegetables: Source of vitamins and minerals.
• Fruits: Source of vitamins and fiber.

Conclusions:

In summary, nutrients are chemical substances essential for the proper functioning of the body. body, while foods are substances with nutritional content that humans consume to obtain nutrients and energy. It is important to have a healthy and balanced diet that provides all the nutrients the body needs to maintain good health.