The Importance of Protein, Fats and Carbohydrates in Human Health

The food we eat gives our bodies the energy to function well. If we don't feed our body the fuel it needs, you just won't feel as healthy, as you could. Our body is made up of 50% water, 25% fat, 20% protein and 5% mineral. Our bodies crave daily nutrients in order to function properly. Carbohydrates, protein and fats(macro nutrients) play a major role in the health of our bodies. Eating a healthy balanced diet will help optimize your health. Therefore, proper nutrients control our moods, energy levels, food cravings, thinking capacity, sex drive, sleeping habits and general health.

Protein are the building blocks of the animal kingdom. There are combinations of 22 amino acids. Only 9 of them are essential, which must come from food. Protein is an essential nutrient "most important", for our health and well-being. People assume eating a lot of protein is better, and will keep them lean and healthy. However, eating too much of it isn't good because the body can't store it as protein. The body will convert excess protein to either fat or glucose, depending on the body's needs. Every cell in your body needs protein to help with growth and repair from muscles and bones to hair and fingernails. It creates enzymes that helps digest food, produce antibodies to fight off infections and hormones that keep the body working efficiently. Protein can also protect and detoxify our body. The human body can't produce protein, so it must be supplied from the food we eat. Our body uses amino acids in three ways: protein synthesis, precursors of the other compounds and energy.

Fats provide a good source of energy in the diet, the building block for cell membranes and hormones. Fats that are part of a meal are good because it slows down nutrient absorption so we can go longer without feeling hungry. In society, the cause of heart disease isn't from animal fat and cholesterol. It's from processed vegetable oils and hydrogenated fats, and other consumptions proved by research. Good fats are important for growth of hair, nails and skin. It also helps you lose weight. Fats protect your organs, keep you warm and helps absorb and move nutrients around.

There are different types of fats that work differently in the body. Saturated fats are primarily found in animal products and are precursors to male and female sex hormones. Mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are primarily found in nuts, seeds and vegetables. Mono-unsaturates help increase good cholesterol. Polyunsaturates are essential fatty acids that play a role in are brain health. Society misinterpret the importance on fat intake, and assume eating too much of it can make you over weight. Eating a high good fat diet can help with fat loss. Good fats include butter, egg yolks, fat from farm range/grass fed meat, extra virgin or expellar pressed vegetable oils, fish oil, coconut oil and nuts/seeds.

The major energy providing nutrient is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred fuel source. Many people tend to disregard them because their assumption is that the less carbohydrates you eat, the thinner you will become. The digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose(sugar) which is controlled by the pancreas, and is moved from the blood into cells. In the cell, glucose is burned along with oxygen to produce energy. Our muscles, brain and nervous system rely on glucose(carbohydrates) to make energy. Excess glucose is either converted to which is stored in our muscle tissue and the liver for future use when blood sugar is low, or converted to fat loss. Carbohydrates intake stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. It is important to keep our insulin level at ease by eating carbohydrate controlled diet. Eating to much carbohydrates relative to one's energy will cause fat gain. Excess fat gain can lead to obesity and uncontrolled blood sugar levels. In sufficient carbohydrate intake can result in low energy and fatigue.

The three macro nutients affect us daily. Making the right choices will help you recover and heal faster. You will have a healthy  body now and in your future with less health problems. People who take decent care of their bodies and eat right foods are the healthiest. They are more energetic, stable with their weight, relaxed about life, have a smarter brain function, and are even balanced and happier. "You are what you eat".