In modern times, the push for healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle seems to be stronger than ever. Though not as widespread as it could be in application, across the nation one can see the push for people to take care of their health. A person understanding what they eat is part of the process. Unfortunately, it is a part of the process that is often misunderstood. Commonly people push for cutting calories, cutting carbs, cutting fat, cutting this, cutting that—you get the picture. However, a person should not cut out any one macronutrient altogether. The same could be said for micronutrients, but that is a far broader group and therefore an area with more room for argument.
Macronutrients are the elements a body needs on a daily basis in order to survive. The body needs these in large amounts, with the term “large” relative to the person. Macronutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Without each of these elements, a person will suffer fatigue, mood swings, muscle loss, poor physical performance, poor mental performance, and a number of other issues. Ultimately, the lack of macronutrients can cause death.
Proteins are essential due to their various uses in the body, notably in building, healing, and maintaining muscle tissue, as well as supporting tissues. Proteins also play roles in the formation of DNA. Additionally, they can play a role in energy pathways as a secondary, though less ideal, energy source. There are a number of other uses for proteins in the body as well, including, but not limited to, enzyme production, antibody production, and blood transport.
Carbohydrates are essential due to their distinction as the primary energy source for the body. The body stores carbs as glucose in combination with water at a ratio of 1:3, or 3 parts water for 1 part glucose, with this muscle volumization partially responsible for healthy muscle function. When a person engages in physical activity, glucose is responsible for output. Without glucose in the muscles, physical performance is affected. Glucose is also the primary energy source for the brain. Without it, a person can experience mental fatigue, muddiness in the thought process, moodiness, and more.
Fats, though often demonized, play essential roles in the body as well. Key uses for fats include hormonal production and balancing, as well as the insulation of cells and internal organs. Fats can help fight inflammation and protect the body from cellular damage, while also protecting the internal organs from external temperature fluctuations. Other uses include assisting in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, energy production, and weight regulation.
Macronutrients are essential to the body. Eliminating any one, or even drastically reducing it, can have adverse effects, potentially severe in some instances. Instead of eliminating a macronutrient, a person needs to understand how much of each to take in, at what times, and from what sources. That is a broader topic that can be the subject of another post.
Micronutrients are elements that the body needs in smaller amounts. Take a look at the multivitamin you use; everything on the ingredients list is a micronutrient. Vitamins, minerals, and herbs all may fall into the classification. This is a broader area of discussion and I will elaborate in another post.
If you are looking to maintain your health, drop your weight, add mass, increase performance, or move toward any other physical goal, you should understand the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients to some degree. Your success, and potentially your health, depend on it.
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