CARBOHYDRATES
PROTEINS&LIPIDS

    The food we eat every day has two sources:

-         A plant source called plant food: vegetables and fruits

-         An animal source called animal food: such as red and white meat of all kinds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, all seafood, milk and its derivatives, eggs, honey, insects...

   These foods, whether animal or vegetable, consist of 6 components: Carbohydrates (Glucides) – Proteins – Lipids – Vitamins - Mineral salts, and Water.

1)   WHAT CARBOHYDRATES DO?

   Carbohydrates can be found in a variety of forms, including simple sugars (monosaccharides) like glucose and fructose and complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) like starch and fiber, which are also referred to as "saccharides" or "glucids." 

They are broken down into glucose, which is used by the body's cells to fuel metabolism and is a significant source of energy for the body. They are known as energy foods and are necessary for athletes and workers.

Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and dairy products are all sources of carbohydrates. 

Avoid highly processed carbohydrates like sugary drinks and snacks, which can contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes if consumed in excess, and choose high-quality carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which provide nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

2)   WHAT PROTEINS DO?

Amino acids are the smaller units that makeup proteins, which are complex molecules. Amino acids can be arranged in a variety of sequences to form a variety of proteins. 

There are twenty different types. Proteins are macronutrients that are absolutely necessary because they support the immune system, build and repair tissues, produce hormones and enzymes, and carry out a wide range of other important functions in the body.

Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and seeds, among other foods, contain them. 

They play a role in the transport of molecules throughout the body, the regulation of cellular processes, and the growth and repair of tissues.

Although they are typically utilized for this purpose only when carbohydrates and fats are unavailable, proteins are also an important source of energy. 

Because animal-based protein sources like meat and dairy often have a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol, it's important to choose lean protein sources and include plant-based protein sources as well. 

Age, gender, body weight, and level of physical activity all have an impact on protein requirements. 

Although consuming an excessive amount of protein can strain the kidneys and cause health issues, it is essential to consume sufficient protein to meet the body's requirements.

Overall, proteins are called "growth foods" and are necessary for children, pregnant women, and anyone breastfeeding. 

They are necessary for maintaining the structure and function of cells and tissues, as well as for many physiological processes in the body.

3)   FUNCTION OF LIPIDS

A group of organic molecules known as lipids are insoluble in water.

Along with carbohydrates and proteins, they are a type of macronutrient known as fats and oils. 

The body uses lipids for a lot of different things. They are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. 

They are used as a structural component of cell membranes, a source of energy, signaling molecules, and hormone precursors. 

Triglycerides (the body's most common type of fat), phospholipids, and sterols like cholesterol are all examples of lipids. 

Triglycerides are found in meat, dairy products, and vegetable oils. Glycerol and three fatty acid molecules make them up. 

Cholesterol is a precursor to hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and phospholipids are an essential component of cell membranes.

   Although lipids are an essential source of energy and play important roles in the body, consuming an excessive amount of certain lipids, particularly saturated and trans fats, can raise the risk of health issues like heart disease. 

Limit your intake of processed foods that are high in unhealthy fats and choose healthy fats like those found in fish, nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils.

I WISH YOU HEALTH

AND WELLNESS