A calorie is defined as: The energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water through 1 °C (now usually defined as 4.1868 joules).
But what does that actually mean to us as far as nutrition?
To answer that question, we must first understand where calories come from.
There are actually 3 (4 if you count Alcohol) major components, labeled as "macro nutrients", to a calorie.
These components are the fuel to your body, mental fortitude and hormone levels. The 3 major macro nutrients are:
Foods and drinks may contain 1, 2 or even all 3 of these macro nutrients.
If you have ever been to a doctor, they have most likely told you that a balance diet is vital to a healthy, long life.
Sound advice but...what exactly is a balance?
Well, let's take a look at why each macro nutrient is important.
Proteins: Your body uses it to build and repair tissue. You need it to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. It is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
Carbohydrates: Are all about energy and are found in foods like fruits, vegetables, breads, pasta, and dairy products. Your body uses these foods to make glucose, which is your body's main energy source.
Fats: Provide you with the storage spots for energy in the body. It helps move vitamins A, D, E and K through your system. Essential fatty acids play a role in brain development, blood clotting and managing inflammation.
More to come!
But what does that actually mean to us as far as nutrition?
To answer that question, we must first understand where calories come from.
There are actually 3 (4 if you count Alcohol) major components, labeled as "macro nutrients", to a calorie.
These components are the fuel to your body, mental fortitude and hormone levels. The 3 major macro nutrients are:
- Protein
- Carbohydrate
- Fat
Foods and drinks may contain 1, 2 or even all 3 of these macro nutrients.
If you have ever been to a doctor, they have most likely told you that a balance diet is vital to a healthy, long life.
Sound advice but...what exactly is a balance?
Well, let's take a look at why each macro nutrient is important.
Proteins: Your body uses it to build and repair tissue. You need it to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. It is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
Carbohydrates: Are all about energy and are found in foods like fruits, vegetables, breads, pasta, and dairy products. Your body uses these foods to make glucose, which is your body's main energy source.
Fats: Provide you with the storage spots for energy in the body. It helps move vitamins A, D, E and K through your system. Essential fatty acids play a role in brain development, blood clotting and managing inflammation.
More to come!
