What Are The 3 Macronutrients?

The 3 macronutrients are the main nutrients your body needs to survive

. They are carbohydrates (your body's main source of energy), dietary fats (which have numerous health benefits) and protein (which helps build, create and maintain your body's cells). You need to eat each of the three in relatively large amounts to promote optimal health. In this article I will be discussing the 3 macronutrients and their functions in more detail.

1) CARBOHYDRATES:- Carbohydrates are your body's primary energy source. They are constructed from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Carbohydrates can be either simple or complex with simple carbs containing one or two sugars and complex carbs containing three or more. Apart from being a great source of energy, this macronutrient is also an excellent source of phytonutrients (which protect your body from free radical damage) and vitamins (which support many functions in the body).

Whilst most carbohydrates supply your body with energy, fibre (also known as cellulose) is an exception to this rule. Fibre is a complex carbohydrate that cannot be digested and instead of providing energy it keeps blood glucose levels under control, promotes good bowel health and protects you from certain diseases.

2) DIETARY FATS:- Dietary fats are all constructed from a combination of carbon and hydrogen. They are one of the 3 macronutrients but can be broken down into four main types; monounsaturated fats (where carbon atoms are bonded to the hydrogen atoms at all but one point), polyunsaturated fats (where carbon atoms are not bonded to hydrogen atoms at two or more points), saturated fats (where all the carbon atoms are bonded to hydrogen atoms) and trans fats (originally unsaturated fats that have a carbon atom addd to them either artificially or naturally).

With the exception of man made trans fats, all dietary fats are beneficial to your health and have numerous roles in the body. Monounsaturated fats keep your blood cholestrol and blood glucose levels under control whilst also protecting you from cancer. Polyunsaturated fats are key for brain health and also keep support strong bones, healthy skin and good vision. Saturated fats support your vital organs, keep your immune system healthy and strengthen your bones and cell membranes.

3) PROTEIN:- Protein acts as your body's building blocks. It is responsible for building, maintaining and repairing all your body's cells. Protein is made from chains of the 22 amino acids (chemical compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen) of which eight are essential (because they cannot be produced by your body) and 14 are non-essential (because they can be produced by your body). There are a potentially unlimited number of protein types because they can be formed from any number and combination of the 22 amino acids. However, this macronutrient can be broken down into two main types; complete (which contains all eight essential amino acids) and incomplete (which does not contain all eight essential amino acids). Apart from playing a key role in the creation and maintenance of healthy cells protein also has other key roles in the body. It assists in the production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones, helps your blood clot and regulates a number of important processes in the body.

So to summarise the 3 macronutrients have the following key roles in the body:

- Carbohydrates = A primary source of energy.

- Dietary Fats = Supporting all round good health.

- Protein = Building, maintaining and repairing your body's cells.

I hope this article has helped you learn a little more about these important nutrients. If you are not doing so already make sure you include all 3 macronutrients as part of a healthy, well balanced diet.

by: Tom Parker

POST COMMENT

NZXT Announces M59 Gaming ATX Chassis Make Your Own Rap Beats Beyond COA's on October 20th TraceGains Webinar Aluminium Cookware Vs Stainless Cookware God of War III at E3 (RUMORS) Weekly Forecast October 18: Full Moon in Aries, Sun Enters Scorpio Simple Steps to Stay Young Forever How To Take Proper Care Of Your Skin? Jukebox Memories Making Your Own Recipe Organizer Is As Easy As 1-2-3 Choose the Best Crystal Award For Your Award Purpose Looking For Big Arms Like Ham Hocks, Use My Top Three Keys Crib To Bed Transition Can Be Fun!