Which nutrient helps to heal wounds?

Proteins play a crucial role in the healing process of wounds due to their involvement in tissue repair and regeneration. When a wound occurs, the body requires additional proteins to build new tissues and repair damaged structures. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks that the body utilizes to synthesize new proteins needed for cellular repair and growth.

During the healing process, the body increases its demand for specific proteins such as collagen, which is essential for the structural integrity of skin and other tissues. Furthermore, proteins contribute to the immune response, helping to stave off infection at the wound site, which is critical for effective healing.

In contrast, carbohydrates primarily serve as an energy source and do not directly contribute to the healing of wounds. Fats are also mainly a source of energy and support cell membrane integrity but do not have as direct a role in the wound healing process as proteins. Minerals are important for various bodily functions, including supporting enzymatic reactions and immune function, but they are not the primary nutrients responsible for tissue repair.

Thus, proteins are essential for healing wounds due to their role in tissue repair, the immune response, and the synthesis of necessary compounds like collagen.