Know what the macronutrients and micronutrients are; which ones are energy-yielding, which ones are non energy-yielding, which ones are organic and which ones are inorganic know how many calories each macronutrient provides per gram?

"Macronutrients" are considered important in a person's diet, for they are responsible for providing the body with energy. There are mainly 3 macronutrients and they are: carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. They are called "macro" because they are required by the body in large amounts, thus making up the bulk of the diet. On the other hand, "micronutrients" are needed by the body in small quantities. These include vitamins (water- and fat soluble vitamins) and minerals (macro and trace minerals).

2. Which ones are energy-yielding, which ones are non-energy yielding?

The macronutrients are energy-yielding and, as previously mentioned, they mainly provide the body with energy. Energy-yielding nutrients are responsible for providing the body with calories, which is necessary in order for the body to function normally. On the other hand, the micronutrients are non-energy-yielding and thus they can be normally be found in small quantities and only serve as additional components in foods that already have calories.

3. Which ones are organic and which ones are inorganic?

When it comes to knowing which nutrient is organic or inorganic, it is best to consider which one of them has a carbon component in their structure. Only those with carbon component are organic, while the rest are inorganic. When it comes to macronutrients, all of them (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) are organic. When it comes to micronutrients, the vitamins are organic while the minerals are inorganic.

Remember that inorganic substances are not made by living organisms.

4. How many calories each macronutrient provides per gram?

When it comes to the approximate number of calories, every macronutrient provides a different value per gram. Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram; lipids (fats) provide 9 calories per gram; and protein provides 4 calories per gram. Knowing the number of calories each macronutrient has is very important when it comes to proper diet or attaining a balance meal.