What Types of Foods Supply Carbohydrates, Proteins & Lipids?
Carbohydrates, protein and lipids are macronutrients that provide the body with calories. Nutrients are required for proper growth, metabolism and most body functions. While both macro and micronutrients are important for good health, macronutrients are necessary in large amounts. Carbohydrates and protein provide 4 kcal/g while fat provides the most energy, with 9 kcal/g. All foods fall into these three major categories of nutrients. It is important to understand how the body utilizes each nutrient, including their dietary sources and their functions within the body, in order to make healthy food choices as part of a well-balanced diet.
A jar with homemade granola. (Image: Elenathewise/iStock/Getty Images)Carbohydrates
According to the Dietary Reference Intakes established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, you should consume between 45 to 65 percent of your calories in the form of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose in your body and carried through your bloodstream to your tissues and organs for energy. Glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use. There are three types of carbohydrates. Simple sugar is the most basic carbohydrate found in fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Starch is made up of more than one sugar unit bound together and is found in whole grains, vegetables and beans. Dietary fiber is the carbohydrate found in plants that passes through the intestines undigested. It is present in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
Protein
Protein is an essential component of every cell, tissue and organ in your body. They undergo a constant process of being broken down and replaced. The protein in your diet is digested into amino acids that are utilized in this process to rebuilt proteins. The U. S. Department of Agriculture recommends that you consume between 10 to 35 percent of your total calories from protein. Protein is found in varying amounts in meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, legumes, vegetables, tofu, nuts, seeds and some grains. Protein from animal sources is known as complete protein because it contains all 20 essential amino acids, while protein from plant sources is called incomplete protein because it lacks one or more of the essential amino acids. Protein is responsible for growth and development, tissue repair, immune function, production of essential hormones and enzymes, energy and preserving lean muscle mass.
Lipids
Lipids, or fat, are needed by the body for normal growth and development, energy, cushioning for the organs, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, maintenance of cell membranes and to provide taste, consistency and stability to food. According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, you should consume 20 to 35 percent of your total calories from lipids. Fats are broken down into three main categories, saturated, unsaturated and trans fats. Saturated fats include foods such as meat, butter, lard and cream and are known to raise LDL, or bad cholesterol, levels. Unsaturated or healthy fats help to lower blood cholesterol. There are two types of unsaturated fats, mono and poly. Monounsaturated fats are found in olive and canola oil while polyunsaturated fats are found in sunflower, safflower, corn and soybean oils as well as in avocados, nuts and fatty fish such as salmon, herring and trout. Trans fats are found primarily in fried foods, snack foods and commercial baked goods. These fats have been found to increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Balanced Nutrition
Macronutrients are very important to a healthy diet. However, they are not the only nutritional concern. A well-balanced diet should also incorporate a variety of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients will help you meet your nutritional needs and prevent chronic disease. Additionally, it is important to consume an adequate amount of water. Your body requires water, between six to eight glasses per day, to function properly.
