What function do carbohydrates, protein, and fats perform?
When your body needs energy, it looks for carbohydrates first. Simple carbohydrates – such as sugars, candy, and soda – give you instant energy and typically have no nutritional value. Complex carbohydrates – such as whole grains, cereals, and legumes – release energy slowly and often contain fiber. The body uses protein to build new cells, maintain tissues and break down new proteins – making it possible for you to perform basic daily body functions. Protein comes from meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, legumes, and soy. Fats aid in energy production, cell building, oxygen transport, blood clotting, and the production of extremely active hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Fats can be saturated – from animal products, such as butter, cream, and fatty meats; polyunsaturated – from safflower, sunflower, corn, and soybean oils; or monounsaturated – from olive and canola oils, and avocados.
