Sometimes there are terms that can be confused. More than anything because we consider them synonymous, but they really are not so synonymous. This is what happens with the topic that we propose today, where we will talk about the difference between food and nutrient. Because if you thought it was the same, it isn't.
They are usually used as if they were but really each one has a meaning that we must know. Just in this way we will leave any possible doubt, since we will know what each term indicates, in a very clear way, so that there are no more deceptions. Do not miss it!.
What is a food
If we look for the definition of food, we find that it is all those substances that we usually take. That is, everything that we eat every day and on a regular basis is considered. Although it is true that when we consume it, the logical thing is that we do it thinking that it is something good for our body and health. We have always believed that eating food is for nutritional purposes and so it is. So when we take something that all they do is alter the functions of the body, then it is not considered food. For example, chewing gum or drugs, without a doubt, we know that they provide us with that touch of nutrients and therefore it is not within this group.
What is a nutrient
We can define it as a part of the food. A substance that is vital for living things to stay healthier. Because the nutrients are going to provide us with more energy and other qualities to take into account. Within the nutrients we will find a wide variety of them. Broadly speaking, we are going to meet the simple and complex nutrients.
- Among the complex nutrients we highlight the carbohydrates, proteins and fats or lipids.
- If we think about simple nutrients, there will be vitamins, minerals, mineral salts and inorganic compounds.
Now we are sure that it is much clearer. Because nutrients are what make up a food. For example, if we eat chicken or turkey white meat, we know that we will be giving the body a high amount of nutrients in the form of proteins. Whereas if we take vegetables, fruits or legumes, we will be adding nutrients in the form of vitamins. But all of them will be food for our body.
Difference between food and nutrient
We have defined what a food was and of course, a nutrient. So, at this point, surely the difference between the two is clearer. Now we are understanding why we used to mix the terms. The truth is that one depends on the other or rather, one is part of the other. It can be said that it is the best definition of both, but if we talk about differences, then it is necessary to clarify.
The nutrient will always have its nutritional value. But a food will not always carry nutrients or substances that can be used by the body to perform vital functions. In the same way, when we talk about food we can define it as the act of consuming or ingesting food. But nutrition is the process that already takes place inside the body when it extracts the nutrients from those foods that we have taken.
At this point that we already know the difference between one and the other, we realize that to talk about both, we need to choose foods that have great amount of nutrients. Because only in this way, the body will extract them and thanks to them the vital functions of each organ will continue to be carried out. Hence, it is always so advisable to eat healthy foods.