Fat, proteins, carbs, and our body

Energy-yielding Nutients

Fats

Many people have the misconception that fat should be eliminated from the diet.  The body needs fat to fuel the body, carry vitamins A, D, E, and K throughout the body, it keeps food moist and helps the body feel full.  Fat is digested into the small intestine, it is there that it is broken down into fatty acids and cholesterol.  It is absorbed into the walls of the intestine where it is released into the bloodstream.  The blood then carries it to the major organs like the heart and liver.  Here is where the misconception lies, the good fats need to be increased while the bad fats decreased.  Monounsaturated fats are good fats found in many types of oils including olive; avocados also supply good fat.  These good fats raise our high-density lipoproteins (HDL); which helps against heart disease. Polyunsaturated fats are good for the body as long as they are consumed in moderation. When we eat saturated and trans-fats we are contributing to the bad fats.  These fats raise our low-density lipoproteins (LDL); which causes inflammation and can lead to heart disease. Increasing our HDL will lower or LDL levels by grabbing some of the slow-moving LDL cholesterol when the HDL move rapidly through to remove it in the liver.

(JC Tonic, N.D.)

Proteins

Protein helps build the muscle in the body along with helping to replenish organs, hormones, enzymes and tissue in the body.  It can be found in meat, beans, dairy products, and eggs.  Protein is different from fat and carbohydrates because it is the only energy-yielding nutrient that results in the production of amino acids.  These acids cannot all be reproduced in the body that is why they are important in the diet.  Without them, the body cannot properly use the protein that is vital to its function.  When proteins are ingested they are digested in the stomach then divided apart as protein and amino acid.  Next it is moved on into the small intestines where with the help of enzymes from the pancreas.  It is then absorbed thorough the walls of the small intestine and delivered to the liver finally it is allowed into the bloodstream where it is sent where ever it is needed. 

Carbohydrates

"Carbohydrates contain the sun's radiant energy, captured in a form that living things can use to drive the processes of life" (Sizer & Whitney, 2012, pg. 107).  Simply stated, carbohydrates are the main source of nutrients for the body.  Carbohydrates are converted into glucose helping to feed the brain too.  Complex carbohydrates; such as vegetables and whole-grains; give us instant energy along with energy that is stored.  Simple carbohydrates should be some what limited; they include sugary foods but also include fruits.  These carbohydrates tend to spike our blood sugar giving us a feeling of energy that then quickly goes away.  A valuable component in carbohydrates is fiber; this keeps the digestion process moving smoothly.  It allows for better absorption of the nutrients and aids in easy elimination.  Carbohydrates start digesting in the mouth; they then travel down to the stomach where little work needs to be done since most is already absorbed into the bloodstream. 

(Freshguide, 2013).