MacroNutrient (Carbohydrates, Proteins & Fats) Ratio Importance

MacroNutrient Ratio Importance - 3 Major Macronutrients - Carbohydrates, Proteins & Fats

You may have heard of the 3 major macronutrients - carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Did you know that your body requires different amounts of each one to maximize energy levels and different functions? Understand that your body can only use glycogen, derived from carbohydrates, as energy. Everything must get broken down to this first. Glycogen is the simplest form of sugar in your blood. (If there is too much [hyperglycemic], your pancreas produces insulin to shuttle the sugar out of your blood and into your cells, if there is too little [hypoglycemic], you produce glucose which gets rid of the insulin so you can build up more sugar in your blood). Hyper- and hypo- glycemia are the extreme conditions of high or low blood sugar, respectively.

Since carbohydrates are already a form of sugar, your body can break them down easily to use as energy, therefore making carbohydrates your body's energy of choice. Being your primary source of energy for physical and mental functions, carbohydrates should comprise about 55% of your daily caloric intake. If yours is higher, you will be left hungry because your body is breaking them down and using them up. If you go much lower, you will be left tired because you are depriving your body of a necessary energy source. Also, low carbohydrates can lead to dehydration (carbohydrates help maintain water in cells) and ketosis (abnormal accumulation of metabolized fat by-products [ketone bodies]).

MacroNutrient Ratio Importance - Proteins (Amino Acids)

Proteins, or amino acids, are the building blocks of muscle tissue. Immune functions, brain functions, joint stability, connective tissue strength, bone strength, and all body movements come from muscle tissue. Therefore, it is vital that you get enough protein throughout your day. The trick, though, is consuming the right amount, as too much can lead to highly acidic blood, calcium deficiency, kidney and liver problems, as well as other health issues. A healthy guideline is to take in approximately 25% of your calories from protein.

MacroNutrient Ratio Importance - Fat Does Not Make You Fat

Contrary to popular beliefs, fat does not make you fat, just as protein and carbohydrates do not. Only an excess of calories causes you to store and gain body fat. Fat is necessary for immune functions, delivery of certain vitamins and minerals, insulation for heat, and protection of organs. Too much fat can lead to heart disease, arteriosclerosis, obesity, and other problems. About 20% of your daily intake from this source is recommended to maintain a healthy body.

Other things to consider: Fiber is important to flush out your intestines to decrease your risk of certain types of cancer and reduce your risk of heart disease. Water is critical for cellular functions and the delivery of certain types of vitamins. Micronutrients are important for ALL cellular and organ functions.

MacroNutrient Ratio Importance - 55%, 24%, 20%

The ratios discussed (55% carbohydrates, 24% proteins, 20% fats) are the accepted standard of health by most nutritional & fitness experts. Deprive your body of any of these elements, or ignore the proper ratios, and your goals may be unattainable, your energy levels will be sub-maximal, your overall health could be compromised, and your quality of life may not reach the potential it could.

This Article Can Be Re-published

This article was written by Russ Samuels of RJS Fitness.  It may be re-published in hardcopy (magazines, newsletters or newspapers) or electronic format in websites, ezines or electronic newsletters provided the following resource box is included at the end of the article with a link to the URL: