All about energy nutrients

A suitable nutrition is absolutely essential to maintain optimum health. A body can keep functioning optimally only with the help of foods that serve as a fuel.

For build up of energy you must consume foods such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats which are the energy nutrients. These must be consumed in a balanced proportion for the body to function well.

One of the major sources of energy in the diet is carbohydrates. They can take the form of fiber, disaccharide, monosaccharide, complex polysaccharide etc. The basic unit of carbohydrates is monosaccharide which comprises of glucose, also known as blood sugar the most concentrated form of sugar got from fruits namely fructose and galactose which is got from milk sugar. Disaccharides are nothing but a combination of two monosaccharides. Examples are lactose, sucrose and maltose. Glycogen is mainly included in complex polysaccharides. This is an animal starch that is found in muscles and the liver. It is of great use in maintaining the glucose levels of the body. The main sources of carbohydrates include cereals, grains, legumes, pasta and breads. Fibers can also provide fullness and bulk but not energy.

The next component as far as energy nutrients are concerned is proteins. Proteins has a large role to play for proper body functioning. This includes tissue repair, regulation of fluids and others. Protein sources include eggs, soy products, animal sources, eggs, casein and gelatin which are added to processed foods and amino acids.

Fats are the third energy nutrients. You can select from unsaturated fats, saturated fats and fatty acids. Saturated fats are those that are got from animals mostly. The intake of these fats must be limited to prevent heart disease. On the contrary, essential fatty acids and unsaturated fats derived from plant origin are ideal for the heart. Important sources of fats include cooking oil, fish oils, vegetable oil, margarine and fatty fish. You must choose oils such as olive oil if you happen to suffer from high cholesterol. Those keen on losing weight can reduce the intake of carbohydrates and include more of fiber rich or protein rich foods so that they can reach their weight loss goals faster.