Tag: Non nutritive substances

While nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are critical for energy, up to 95% of the food we consume consists of non-nutritive components. These substances, which include dietary fiber and a host of plant-based compounds, do not provide energy or essential vitamins and minerals but are vital for influencing digestion, immunity, and overall health.

Over 75% of the human body is composed of water, a substance vital for health yet not a nutrient in the same class as proteins or carbohydrates. To understand healthy eating, it's essential to recognize what is not a nutrient and why these non-nutritive components are still so important for bodily functions.

According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases linked to diet account for millions of deaths annually, highlighting the need to understand all aspects of our food, including non-nutrient components. These are the substances in food that do not provide energy or traditional nutrients but can significantly impact our health and well-being.

In a world focused on macronutrients and calories, some of the most influential dietary components provide no energy at all. So, **what is a non-nutritive substance**? It is a compound found in food that does not supply energy, yet can significantly impact metabolic function and overall health.