Our Diets consist of 3 Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats.
Each of these macronutrients have a specific purpose in our body. We get these macronutrients in different ratios from the food that we consume. Let’s take a look at each of these and see what the role is in our body.
Carbohydrates:
- Not a essential macronutrient.
- 4 calories per gram.
- Increases insulin.
- Is a short burst of energy and needs replenishing.
- When available is the only source of energy.
- They cause the hunger hormone Ghrelin to be released and makes you hungry.
- They cause us to store fat.
- Stops your body from burning fat for fuel.
- Stops healing mechanisms like autophagy and apoptosis.
- Cancer uses glucose from carbs for energy.
- Are very addictive.
Examples of carbohydrates are:
All sugars, pasta, bread, grains, and starchy vegetables. Not to mention the list of added sugars that are put into food.
Protein:
- Is an essential macronutrient.
- 4 calories per gram.
- Used for building blocks in our bodies.
- Reduces hunger.
- Satsiates Hunger. Meaning you stay full longer.
- Can be used to make necessary glucose.
Examples of proteins:
Meat of all kinds, cheese, eggs, etc.
Fat:
- Is an essential macronutrient.
- 9 calories per gram.
- Partially controls hunger.
- Can be used for long lasting energy.
- Is stored in our body for later use.
- Most cancers are unable to use fat for energy.
Examples of fats:
There are lots of fats in avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish etc. Then there is butter, beef tallow, and lard.
What do our bodies do with these macronutrients and how do they affect our bodies.
Depending on your diet and the different ratios of these macronutrients in the food that you eat, will determine what your body does with the calories that you are consuming.
If you are consuming a diet high in carbohydrates your body will first only use glucose for energy, store the excess glucose in muscles, liver, or as fat and stop healing mechanisms in your body. They make you hungry and eat more. Eating carbs to excess causes inflammation that leads to a host of health issues and diseases.
If you eat a diet primarily of protein and fat your body will use fat for energy either from your diet or from your body. You will eat less calories and your hunger will be satisfied.
There is much more to our diet and the effects that it can have on our health and well being.