Holozoic nutrition is a type of heterotrophic nutrition. Heterotrophic organisms must acquire and take all the organic substances they need to survive.
There are seven major classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, fiber, vitamins, and water
Carbohydrates are important for our body and provide us with energy. They are generally divided into two categories:
simple carbohydrates are found in sugary foods like fruits, sugar, and processed grains and are digested quickly.
complex carbohydrates are found in vegetables, grains, and beans and are digested slowly.
Proteins are made up of building blocks called amino acids, there are 20 different types of amino acids, and the body can make some of them, but 9 of them must be obtained from the diet and are called "essential" amino acids.
proteins are more complex than carbohydrates. Because they are complex, it takes the body longer to break them down, making them a longer-lasting source of energy compared to carbohydrates.
Functions:
Proteins are important for maintaining and repairing body tissues and their functions.
They are not typically used for energy, but in the absence of enough calories from other sources like carbohydrates or fats, the body may use proteins for energy.
Fats are molecules composed of fatty acids and glycerol.
Fats are a type of food that gives the body a lot of energy, but it takes a bit longer for the body to use them compared to other types of food.
The body deposits excess fat in the abdomen and under the skin to use when it needs more energy.
Extra fat can also get deposited in blood vessels and within organs, where it can block blood flow and damage organs, often causing serious disorders.
Functions:
The body needs fats for growth and energy.
The body uses fats to synthesize hormones and other substances needed for the body's activities.
sources:
fatty cuts of beef and lamb
high-fat dairy foods
poultry skin
tropical oils
Vitamins are essential micronutrients that our bodies required to stay healthy and grow properly
Vitamins play a key role in body health and development, and several diseases are caused by the deficiency of vitamins.
They are divided into two types:
Fat-soluble Vitamins: Vitamins that are soluble in organic solvents are called Fat-soluble vitamins. Examples are vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Water soluble Vitamins: Vitamins that are soluble in water are called water-soluble vitamins. Examples are vitamins B and C.
Minerals are naturally occurring solid inorganic substances, which are very important for human health. Minerals are found in a variety of foods including dairy and meat products.
Essential minerals are
calcium
iron
zinc
iodine
chromium
Deficiencies can result in serious health conditions such as brittle bones and poor blood oxygen levels.
Calcium metabolism involves the movements and regulation of calcium ions in various body com[partments. Calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth
Eating foods that are rich in calcium, low in salt, and high in potassium may help prevent high blood pressure and kidney stones.
Sources:
Milk, cheese, and other dairy foods
Green leafy vegetables
Soya beans
Nuts
Bread Fish
Deficiency symptoms are:
Dizziness and fainting
Chest pains
Numbness and tingling sensations around the mouth or in the fingers and toes
Difficulty swallowing
Voice changes due to spasms of the larynx
Wheezing
Muscle cramps leading to muscle spasms (tetany)
Iron is the main component of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in the muscle cells
It helps in the storage and transport of oxygen.
Sources:
Beans and lentils
Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach
Tofu (derived from soya)
Deficiency symptoms of iron are
Headache, fatigue, and dizziness
pale skin
shortness of breath, tachycardia, and chest pain
Brittle nails
Poor appetite in infants
Water is the most essential compound for our body, it is very important to drink enough water every day to keep our bodies healthy
Water plays a key role in the movement of nutrients, hormones, and oxygen through our bodies
It helps in maintaining the temperature
Dehydration can lead to many health diseases
