Macronutrients: All about them

What are macronutrients?

Macronutrients are essential dietary supplements that your body requires in order to function properly. They can be found in all of the foods and drinks that you consume, however certain foods and drinks are better sources.

There are three types of macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Let’s start with proteins.

All About Proteins

The first type of macronutrient that we will explain about is protein. These macronutrients are made up of amino acids, connected together in chain-like shapes. Protein management is essential for any person involved in vigorous activity, such as weight lifting, or even long distance running, because protein is responsible for the repair and growth of muscles, organs and tissues of the body. Without proper amounts of protein, weight lifters, runners, etc, could get injured because their muscles would be left damaged, yet un-repaired. Chemically speaking, protein is made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, and single gram of protein is equivalent to about 4 calories, the same amount of calories a single gram of carbohydrates has. This brings me to the next macronutrient: carbohydrates.

All About Carbohydrates

Like proteins, carbohydrates (carbs for short) have about 4 calories per gram. However, unlike protein (which is used to repair and help with the growth of the body over a period of time) carbs are used right away, and thus they are known as the “primary energy source.” Carbs are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but they lack nitrogen, which sets them apart from proteins. Although the amount may vary among people of different gender, body composition, and activity level, people should generally have a meal which consists of higher amounts of carbs, about 60 percent or so. However, the last type of macronutrient should be consumed in smaller quantities…

All About Fats

Fat is the last type of macronutrient. A single gram of fat contains approximately 9 calories, which is more than double the amount calories in a gram of protein, or a gram of carbs. It is used over longer periods of time, and is not used right away, which makes fat seem like the opposite of carbs. While carbs should make up most of your meal, the amount of fat should be limited.

Fat cells are composed of a type of tissue known as adipose tissue. When taken in correct amounts, it provides proper insulation and protection to the internal organs, such as the heart and lungs, and serves as a means of transportation for vitamins.

There are three main types of fats, and they are not all equally helpful. The 3 types are saturated, unsaturated and fatty acids, and while all of these types should be used in moderation, saturated fats should be avoided most of the time, since they are linked to coronary heart disease, as well as diabetes, and other life threatening illnesses. Unsaturated fats have actually been linked to lowering the chances of getting these diseases, so these are some of the better fats.

Cholesterol on the other hand, is sometimes mistaken as a fat, but it really isn’t. It is a substance very similar to fat, and is just as essential. However like fats, too much cholesterol in the body can lead to serious illnesses, such as heart disease, and strokes. Again, the suggested amount of cholesterol varies depending on the person, however the Food and Drug Administration: the FDA, recommends that our cholesterol intake should not exceed 300 mg per day.

And that is all about macronutrients!

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