Prompt
-Which is most important for our health and why?
-Can we live a productive life if we drop lipids, carbohydrates, or protein from our lives?
Two (2) substantive reply posts are due by the end of the Unit
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Sudara Nick
Sudara
Jul 20 at 9:35pm
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Lipids (fats), carbohydrates, and protein are all equally important for one’s health. All three are considered macronutrients and play an important role in giving the body the energy it needs to be able to function properly, allowing us to lead productive lives.
The importance of each macronutrient and how they benefit the body:
Carbohydrates: carbohydrates are transformed into glucose which the body uses as its main source of energy. The brain needs glucose to function properly. There are also certain carbohydrates that help with the integration of amino acids which allow us to eliminate waste. An example of this could be found in fiber which is processed by the GI tract. Carbohydrates can be broken down into two forms, simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are easily broken down and used energy. Fruit and honey are good examples. Complex carbohydrates are processed in a more complex way by the body and can be found in starches or grains like rice or bread as well as starchy/non-starchy vegetables.
Protein: protein promotes growth and helps the body build and repair muscle and tissue. The foundation of proteins is found in amino acids. Foods rich in protein are meat, fish, and dairy as well as plant protein which can be found in nuts, seeds, lentils, vegetables etc.
Lipids (fats): fats help the body store energy, produce certain hormones, absorb vitamins, and provide protection to the organs. There are three types of fat: trans-fat, saturated fat, and unsaturated fat. Trans-fat should be very limited in the diet as they contain hydrogenated oils (ex: margarine, fried foods, baked goods). Saturated fats are okay in moderation as well, as too much consumption can lead to “high cholesterol levels and risk for heart disease” (ex: beef, lamb, butter, cream) (Avita Health System, 2021). Unsaturated fats are the healthiest type of fat to consume and are known to decrease risk of heart disease (ex: fish, avocado, nuts, olives).
Recommended amount of each macronutrient by the USDA.
Carbohydrates: 45-65%
Protein: 10-35%
Fat: 20-35%
It’s important to take into consideration the fact that every person’s body is different. In order to maintain optimal health and achieve a particular body goal it is best to consult a nutritionist first.
Source:
Avita Health System. (2021, May 27). Macronutrients: A Simple Guide to Macros. Retrieved from https://avitahealth.org/health-library/macronutrients-a-simple-guide-to-macros/
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Jazmin De Jesus
Jazmin
Yesterday
Jul 20 at 11:32pm
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I’m struggling with choosing which is the most important carbohydrates, protein, or fat. However, if I would have to place them in order I would choose just that; carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. They each play a huge role in our bodies. For example, Protein is used for the heath of our muscles, bones, skin and hair. Without the right amount of protein we would lose muscle mass, the ability to fight disease and infection, and become weak (Hawk, K. Scollard, T). They also build and repair tissues. Carbohydrates assist the brain, heart, and kidneys with energy. Without enough carbohydrates your body will begin to use the carbohydrates stored in muscles and use proteins as carbohydrates. This can result in muscle loss and strain on kidneys. Lipids provide energy and regulate hormones, transmit nerve impulses, and protect organs. I don’t believe we can live a healthy life if we drop lipids, carbohydrates or proteins from our lives. If you were to eliminate lipids from your life you will begin to experience problems with your hair, skin, immune system and vision. it can also cause problems with your cardiovascular and cause strokes. Without the right amount of protein you can experience an increase in infections and illness, less muscle mass, high blood pressure, etc. Because carbohydrates assist the brain, without it you would feel “mentally sluggish, irritable, inactive, low on energy and confused” (Doctor.ndtv).
Source:
Hawk, K., & Scollard, T. (2003, September). Ask an Expert: Protein vs. carbohydrates. Ask an Expert: Protein vs. carbohydrates | Providence Oregon. https://oregon.providence.org/forms-and-information/a/ask-an-expert-protein-vs-carbohydrates/.
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