An Introduction to Macronutrients: What you need to know
A balanced diet requires adequate water intake and the adequate intake of foods from five different nutrient groups. Three of those nutrient groups come under the heading of macronutrients.
Macronutrients
Macronutrients are needed in large quantities, and required for structure, function and fuel. The three macronutrients are:
Carbohydrate
Carbohydrate is found in bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, vegetables, and fruit. They provide us with 4kcals per gram of easily assessable energy.
Protein
Protein is found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and seeds. They provide us with 4kcals of energy per gram and are used for growth and repair of cells.
Fat
Fat is found in butter, cheese, and oils. It provides the most energy, 9kcals per gram. It has many functions such as the synthesis of steroid hormones and can only be broken down in the presence of oxygen (aerobically).
Alcohol
Alcohol provides 7kcals of energy per gram but is not technically a nutrient.
Macronutrients – Multiple Choice Test
