The human body requires a source of energy to maintain optimal health, and life. It needs water, and foods from the five different nutrient groups available to us. We’re going to look at the main three of those today. The three macronutrients of protein, fat, and carbohydrates all perform essential roles in the human body, and they make up the main components of our diet. Our bodies require micronutrients from vitamins, and minerals, although these are needed in smaller amounts for structure, and function. The three macronutrients are needed in the diet, as they each perform vital functions in the body. Protein is made from building blocks known as amino acids, and of the twenty of these, nine are considered to be essential, as the body is unable to produce them itself. The other eleven can be found in most foods, but are not considered to be essential to the diet. Many of us are aware of the big players in the protein family. Chicken, eggs, fish, turkey, and non animal sources including soy foods, and tofu. Other complimentary proteins are available to us including quinoa, lentils, and seeds, though while they are carbohydrate based foods, thy do contain certain amounts of protein. Protein plays a crucial role including maintaining, building, and repairing tissue, whilst aiding the immune system. The amount of protein that the body needs varies from person to person, and can be dependent on the intensity of any physical activity they undertake. We’ll look at how we work this out in future posts. Carbs. The devil! No, they aren’t. As well as fat, they are essential to ensure that our bodies function properly, and provide the few the body needs. Carbohydrates come in three different forms. Simple, complex, and non starch. Simple carbs are often to referred to as sugar, while complex carbs are referred to as starches, and non starch as fibre. Sources of simple carbs are fruits, and the other side of the coin, all types of confectionary. Complex carbs can be broken down into two sub groups of refined, and un-refined carbs. Refined are sources that have been stripped of their natural nutrients i.e. white bread, and pasta. Un-refined still retain there nutrient value, and are a better source of dietary fibre, whilst our insulin response to these types is slower. Fats, and the role they play in human physiology are required by the body, just as carbohydrates are. It’s just that we need to eat more of the good fats and less of the bad fats. Saturated and trans fats should be avoided, but an increase in the levels of unsaturated and the essential fatty acids, such as omega 3 and omega 6, can be good for you such as nuts, avocados, and olive oil. Fat is also used for protection, and insulation to regulate body temperature and cushion organs. As well as that, it promotes growth and development.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 20:00:01 +0000