Macronutrients are the primary nutrients that your body needs to stay functional and healthy. Your body needs these nutrients in large quantities to keep your energy levels high and nourish your organs for optimal health. At Kulp Chiropractic in Reading, PA, we’re committed to educating our clients and the community at large. The following breakdown of macronutrients comes from the experts here at your trusted nutritional clinic.
The 3 Primary Macronutrients – Why are They Important?
The first step to improving an unhealthy diet is often to focus on consuming adequate amounts of three primary macronutrients:
- Carbohydrates
- Protein
- Fat
Let’s take a quick look at each of these macronutrients to see why they’re so important to your health.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are foods rich in starch, fiber, or sugar that are used to create glucose and boost energy levels. Bread, beans, potatoes, and syrup are common carbohydrates that you may have in your kitchen right now. (Remember, not everyone can eat all these foods.)
These macronutrients are broken down into two subcategories. Complex carbohydrates contain rich nutritional profiles and include whole-grain bread and pasta. Simple carbohydrates have less nutritional value and include candy, sugary drinks, fruit juice concentrates, and a variety of baked goods.
Protein
Protein helps build and repair lean muscle while assisting with the creation of digestion enzymes. There are animal-sourced protein foods like meat, fish, poultry, and eggs, plus plant-sourced proteins like beans, nuts, and seeds. Organic foods are the best.
Lean protein is the best option for weight management and health. How much protein you should consume daily depends on a variety of factors, including your age and health or nutrition goals.
Fat
Eating fat is the only way to obtain some essential fatty acids that aren’t created naturally in the human body. There are various types of dietary fat, including:
- Trans fat
- Saturated fat
- Unsaturated fat
Trans fat and saturated fat are the most harmful to your health. Unsaturated fats offer the most health benefits and are broken down into subcategories like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. Working with a professional is the best way to identify the right fats for your body.
How to Get the Macronutrients Your Body Needs
While all three macronutrients are important to your health, it can take some time to determine the right balance of nutrients for your body. Working with an expert in Functional Medicine is the fastest way to assess your body’s needs and implement a dietary strategy that delivers results.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Nutrition Professionals in Reading, PA
If you want to learn more about nutrition or aren’t achieving the results you want to see from your current diet, contact Kulp Chiropractic in Reading, PA, at (610) 208-0404.