In the fast-paced world we inhabit today, the importance of maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet cannot be overstated. Our dietary choices directly impact our health and wellbeing, and at the heart of this nutritional puzzle lies macronutrients – the fundamental building blocks that sustain us. In this article, we'll dive into what macronutrients are, why they are vital for a healthy life, the consequences of their deficiency, and the optimal macronutrient balance for overall wellbeing.
What are Macronutrients?
Macronutrients are the three primary components of our diet that provide energy in the form of calories: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Fibre, though not a source of energy, plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health and is often classified alongside these three.
Proteins:
Known as the body's building blocks, proteins are essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues. They are composed of amino acids, which are crucial for countless biological processes.
Carbohydrates:
Carbs are the body's preferred energy source. They come in two forms: simple carbohydrates (sugars) and complex carbohydrates (found in grains, fruits, and vegetables). WE8THIS™ contains complex carbohydrates.
Fats:
Fats serve as an energy reserve and are necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. Especially important are essential fats, which play a role in cell membrane structure and protecting vital organs.
Fibre:
Fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate that aids in digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, and supports a healthy gut.
Why are macronutrients important for our wellbeing?
Macronutrients are essential for overall health and wellbeing because they provide the body with the necessary nutrients to function optimally. They:
Fuel your body
Carbohydrates and fats provide the energy needed for everyday activities, from walking to thinking, while proteins ensure the growth and repair of tissues.
Support vital functions
Proteins are essential for the proper function of enzymes and hormones, and also the immune system. Fats are necessary for brain health, hormone production, and cellular structure.
Aid in digestion
Fibre promotes healthy digestion and can prevent digestive issues like constipation and diverticulitis.
Regulate blood sugar
The right balance of carbohydrates, fats, and fibre helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes.
Immunity
Proteins also contribute to the production of antibodies and immune cells, playing a pivotal role in our defense against infections.
What happens if you lack or don’t consume appropriate amounts of macronutrients?
A deficiency in macronutrients can lead to a range of health issues. For instance:
- Protein deficiency: Inadequate protein intake can result in muscle wasting, weakened immune system, and impaired wound healing.
- Carbohydrate deficiency: Lack of carbohydrates can lead to fatigue, dizziness, poor cognitive function and mood swings.
- Fat deficiency: Insufficient healthy fats can cause dry skin, hair loss, and impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Fibre deficiency: A low-fibre diet may contribute to digestive problems, constipation, and an increased risk of colon cancer.
Did you know...
The effects an unhealthy diet on our body often take a long time to notice, so it may not seem to be causing a person problems now, but it is likely to in the long run.
What is the best macronutrient balance for health?
The ideal macronutrient balance varies from person to person based on factors like age, activity level, and health goals. Generally, a balanced diet based on US FDA guidelines includes:
Protein: About 10-35% of daily calories
Carbohydrates: 45-65% of daily calories
Fats: 20-35% of daily calories
Fibre: 28 grammes
Why is it important to choose a meal replacement shake containing macronutrients?
Meal replacement or food replacement products can be a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles, but not all products are created equal. Opting for a meal replacement shake that includes a balance of macronutrients ensures that you receive a well-rounded source of energy and essential nutrients.
Fortunately, WE8THIS is “nutritionally complete food”: it provides ideal amounts of all essential nutrients as well as beneficial levels of other important nutrients for optimum health, energy and performance. WE8THIS as a meal provides the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, essential fats, fibre, vitamins & minerals.
WE8THIS is…
Food. The Oxford dictionary defines ‘food’ as “Any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb in order to maintain life and growth”, which sounds exactly like WE8THIS!
