Macronutrients are the cornerstones of diet, as they are the vital energy sources for our body, and are available in many food sources. They also help prevent diseases, and are the fundamental building blocks in our main course meals, helping maintain optimal health and wellbeing. We can find macronutrients in many food sources, but we need to understand the right amount of consumption for our body functions. Macronutrients for body functions, are namely carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Let’s go through the importance of each for our vital body processes.
Importance of Macronutrients
Carbohydrates – Energy Fuel
The primary source of energy for our body comes from consuming carbohydrates. They provide fuel for various body functions. We can find carbohydrates in foods like bread, rice, legumes, grains, fruits, some vegetables and also dairy products.
They are the main energy source many body tissues, including the brain, and for muscle contraction during intense exercise. They are also responsible for maintaining body temperature, heart rate, and digesting food.
Carbohydrates are divided into two main forms, I.e. simple and complex.
Simple carbohydrates are also called sugars that’s can be found in honey, processed sweets, and raw sugar. Therefore they spike energy levels in body right after consumption. However, they lack in essential nutrients and can lead to rapid raise in blood sugar if consumed in excess.
Complex carbohydrates are nutrient rich and include fiber, vitamins, and minerals. We can find them in foods like whole grains (e.g., brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat), fruits, vegetables, and also legumes. They provide sustained energy, support digestion, and contribute to feelings of satiety.
Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose in our body. These molecules then spread through our blood stream supplying energy to all body cells with the help of the hormone insulin.
Carbohydrates are essential energy sources for the body, being used even when a person is at rest. However, excess intake of the nutrient converts the extra glucose into fat and makes a person put on weight. Complex carbohydrates are better to consume instead of simple ones. As these takes time to breakdown and make a person feel full for more time. Therefore, to consume this nutrient in a healthy way, we should opt for complex carbohydrates in our diet. Some examples are replacing white rice or pasta with brown rice or whole grain pasta or bread. Healthy alternatives of food nutrients can help us stay healthy and perform vital body functions properly.
Proteins: Building Blocks for Growth and Repair
Protein is a macronutrient and the building block for our body, required for growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues. They play an important role in the formation of muscles, skin, hair, bones, hormones, and enzymes. Moreover, they provide structure to tissues like cell membrane, organs, muscles, and blood plasma.
We can find protein in foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, and also in plant-based foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, and tofu.
Proteins are further broken down into smaller units called amino acids. Some amino acids can also be produced by our body, while others must be consumed from our diet and are referred as the essential amino acids.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight a day.
For example, if a person weights 100 pounds, that makes about 36 grams of protein a day for them. Some other factors like age, gender, medical conditions, and health goals also determine your daily protein intake.
Insufficient protein can lead to slow growth and weakened immune system. However, excess may lead to liver problems. According to some studies, it reveals that protein aids in weight control and better hormone function.
Fats: Essential for Vital Functions
Fats are also an essential component of a healthy diet. They are often given a bad reputation and avoided, but they serve as a concentrated source of energy.
Fats help in absorption of fat soluble vitamins, provide insulation and protection to organs, and help regulate hormones production.
Fats are categorized into two main types, saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats are found in animal products and plant based oils, like coconut oil. They are unhealthy to consume and can raise cholesterol levels in body.
Unsaturated fats constitute of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These are considered healthy for the heart and are found in foods like nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated and vital for brain health. These are found in flaxseeds, fish, and walnuts.
Fats provide our body with energy, are used in hormone production, cell growth, energy storage and absorption of some vitamins. However, they should be consumed in minimal amount to avoid its adverse effects related to weight gain and fat accumulation in blood vessels.
Balancing Macronutrients for Optimal Health
Macronutrients are a major part of our daily food intake. Hence, a balanced intake of them
Is vital for optimal body health. Our Marco-nutrients intake is based on age, gender, physical activity, and health conditions.
Opting for a variety of whole and unprocessed foods, with each meal having a good part of protein in the form of meat, egg, beans or legumes is vital for a healthy diet. We can focus on adding colorful vegetables, and dairy part in the form of yogurt or cheese to our meals to make them filling and healthy.
Calories serve as a measure of energy, and understanding macronutrients and their significance is key to building a healthy and well-rounded diet. Carbohydrates give us energy, proteins provide growth and repair, and fats play a vital role in absorption, insulation, and aiding many body processes.
Balancing these macronutrients, alongside consumption of a variety of nutrient-dense foods, ensures that our bodies receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health and well-being.
As per the federal Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range the following percentages of macronutrients are essential for good health and to provide essential nutrition:
- 45–65% carbohydrates
- 20–35% fats
- 10–35% protein