In general, there are three main macronutrients your body needs – carbohydrate, protein, and fat – the cornerstones of your diet. These nutrients are used in the largest amounts that the body needs for energy. Furthermore, they play a unique role in building and maintaining the body’s structure and systems. Hence, these macronutrients can have a big impact on your body.
What’s more important is that they don’t produce the same amount of energy. In comparison with fats, carbohydrates supply energy more quickly. One gram of carbohydrate or protein contains four kilocalories, and meantime a gram of fat contains nine kilocalories.
Striving to get the “perfect” balance for everyone might be an unreasonable expectation as what works for one person may not suit you.
Now let’s dive in to discover more information about the most important macronutrients.
Protein for healthy and energetic feeling
As the body’s building blocks and extremely complex substance, protein can be stored and used mostly by the muscles. Protein is essential for keeping and restoring body tissue and supporting mood and cognitive function.
A wide variety of foods provides protein such as eggs, lentils, broccoli, seafood, nuts, etc. Eating protein-rich foods may also help avoid overeating, lower blood pressure, boost metabolism, fight diabetes, and more. So, without an ongoing supply of protein, the body may become weak and get infected easily by gradually losing muscle mass.
Carbohydrates to provide fuel for the bodies
There’s no question that carbs keep you going throughout the day. There are two types of carbohydrates – good and bad. Depending on the type you choose to eat, they can vary in their health effects. With that in mind choose carbs wisely by sticking to fiber-rich and naturally high in vitamin food.
It’s no exaggeration that carbs affect your blood sugar. Hence foods that contain carbs get fully converted into glucose, or sugar in the digestion system. While glucose is essential for the brain, your body can’t get it from fat or protein.
There are many sources of healthy and unhealthy carbs. To choose the best one for your body it’d be better to prefer foods in the closest-to-nature state. The more we can choose nutrient-dense foods, the easier it is to feel satisfied. Among them are prunes, quinoa, beets, banana, carrot, etc.
Fats to protect your heart and brain health
Not a surprising fact that fats have got a bad reputation for years such as gaining weight, increasing the risk of certain diseases, etc. The truth is not all fat is the same. Some healthy fats give the body enough energy throughout the day, help it to absorb certain vitamins, trim your waistline.
Be picky about consuming enough amount of healthy fat to supply your body with a delayed feeling of satisfaction after eating. Avocado, dark chocolate, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, olive, and many others fill the healthy fats list.