Importance of Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats

Carbohydrates, proteins, and even fats are all very important to help the body function. These three macronutrients are what are needed and should make up the average teenager's diet. Carbohydrates as well as proteins and fats are found in most if not all food sources, but it is important to know how much one needs, what makes up these important nutrients, the role they play in our bodies, and which foods are the healthiest choices.

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates or carbs for short is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and water. Carbs play an important role in keeping our body functioning its internal organs, nervous system, and muscles. Carbs are what makes up more than half of a healthy diet because out of the three macronutrients it is the most important and one used most by the body. In fact http://www.healthychildren.org says that, "Most nutritionists recommend that complex carbohydrates make up 50 to 60 percent of a teenager’s caloric intake." There are two types of carbohydrates, complex and simple. The ones the body needs are the complex ones such as beans, whole grain starches, and even in fruits. Visit http://www.betterhealthusa.com
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Protein: Protein is comprised up of amino acids, which our body needs and uses as energy. There are two types of amino acids. One type of amino acid is essential amino acids, which are amino acids that cannot be synthesized or combined together inside a human or animal. The other amino acid is non-essential amino acids, which are acids that can be synthesized and combined by a human or animal. Protein is needed by our bodies to grow; hair; skin; finger and toe nails; the proper function of internal organs, the most important being the brain and heart; and healthy blood cells. In a healthy teen diet 14%-18% of calories should be from protein. For more information on how much protein should be in your diet visit http://www.adoptionarticlesdirectory.com/Article/Teen-Diets-and-Protein-Requirements/90264. A few healthy food choices for protein are eggs; cheese; fish; beans; and soy products. To find out more please visit http://www.betterhealthusa.com
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Fat: This three-letter word is made up of two things glycerol and fatty acids. Glycerol is a colorless and odorless liquid in fat. The fatty acids are acids with tails attached to them that are either saturated or unsaturated. To find more out on what makes up fat go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat.
Fats just like carbohydrates have different kinds bad, and good. The bad fats are saturated and trans fat. Saturated fat is fat that can solidify in room temperature. This fat can be found in animal products such as meat. Trans fat also known as "partially hydrogenated oils" lower HDL cholesterol, which is the good kind and raise LDL, which is the bad cholesterol. Having too much trans fats in your diet can also lead to heart disease and cancer. To learn more about both fats visit http://www.smartbalance.com /?gclid=CMPXnr7tw6ECFR9aiAod1CdZ-Q and http://www.betterhealthusa.com/ public/268.cfm.
The healthy and good fat for your body are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Not enough Omega-3 in your diet is linked to learning disabilities like ADHD and more. Good sources of Omega-3 are cold-water fish like salmon and fresh tuna, flaxseed and oil, and pumpkin seeds. Avocados and olive oil are also good sources of other healthy fats.
Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats all play very important roles in having a healthy diet. Without enough of these macronutrients your can become overweight and have many health complications. Macronutrients help keep your body running and healthy. There are a lot of different types of foods, but knowing what is in them and what kinds are healthy for you will ultimately lead to a healthier diet.