Carbohydrates, Fats and Proteins

Carbohydrates are required for energy and provide body’s main source of energy (4 calories per gram) they form the major part of stored food for later use of energy and exist in three forms, sugar, starch and fibre. The brain works entirely on glucose alone, when in excess it is stored in the liver in glycogen, carbs are also important for fat oxidation and can also be converted into glucose.

Fats are used in making steroids and hormones and serve as solvents for hormones and fat-soluble vitamins. Fats have the highest calorific content and provide the largest amount of energy burnt. When measured by a calorimeter, fats provide about (9 calories per gram of fat), making them twiuce as energy rich than protein and carbs. Extra fat is stored in adipose tissue and is burnt when the body has run out of carbs.

Protein provides amino acids and make up most of the cell structure including the cell membrane. They are the last to be used of all macronutrients. IN cases of extrene starvation the muscles in the body that are made up of proteins are used to provide energy. This is called muscle wasting. As for carbs protein also provides (4 calories per gram of fat).