Macro Nutrients:
What they do & why we need them
Carbohydrates:
- Main source of energy for the body, they fuel and re-fuel muscle and brain. Two types: Simple & complex.
- Enable us to function minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. Brain can only function on carbohydrate, same with most body organs.
- Works with other nutrients as the catalyst, helping the absorption of nutrients such as protein into the blood & muscles.
Proteins:
- Make up about 20% of our body weight, and after water is the most plentiful structure in our body.
- A key component of the structure of the body - muscles, bones, organs, tendons, connective tissue & blood cells all contain protein.
- Also essential for the production of enzymes, hormones, antibodies . Energy supply is not a primary role of protein.
Fats:
- Some are essential and some are harmful. Some protective against disease, others increase the risk. Some hinder fat burning, others help the process. The body stores excess calories as fat.
- Fats are vital for keeping body temperature constant, organ protection, and certain fats also support brain function.
- In women fats help regulate oestrogen; for men, they are vital in the production of testosterone.
Some food sources include…..
Carbohydrates:
Found in nearly all foods of plant origin, such as wholemeal bread, brown rice, cereals, fruit & vegetables.
Proteins:
Available from both animal & vegatable sources, such as lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy, pulses, nuts & seeds.
Fats:
3 types: Saturated, unsaturated & hydrogenated. Sources of saturated fat include red meat & dairy; unsaturated sources include olive oil, nuts, seeds and oily fish, and harmful hydrogenated fats can be found in many processed foods.
Find out more about good and not so good food sources with our ‘Food for Fitness’ seminars starting July 2010.