Macronutrients
What they are and why they matter
Nutrients provide material for all energy reactions in the body, the tissues and structures that make up organ systems, and the biochemical molecules that enable cells to survive and communicate. Nutrients from food enable the human body to survive and thrive. Food is much more complex than the elaborate slurry of macro and micronutrients they contain. Food is information about the environment we live in and the quality of the energy available to us. Food is also cultural information. By looking into what a person eats growing up, or the regionality of their taste preferences, we learn a tremendous amount about cultural history. Humans gather around food as a focal point of social gatherings and to celebrate life. Food is also telling as to one’s economic status, a government’s monetary appropriations, political policies, and the priority of macrosystems that operate in the background of our everyday lives. Therefore, the topic of nutrition, nutrients, and food is complex and multifaceted. We cannot talk about our relationship to the macronutrients we consume without first acknowledging that fact.
What are Macronutrients?
Macronutrients are utilized for primary body functions and are found in high quantities in the food we eat. This is opposed to micronutrients, which are needed by the body in smaller doses, and are also found in lower quantities in the food we eat. The three macronutrients are protein, carbohydrates, and fat, known chemically as lipid. (I will breakdown the primary function of each individual macronutrient in the upcoming Foundations Series, as well as share how to improve your intake of each based on individual lifestyle and goals.)
Primary body functions include energy utilization, mechanical function, neurological function, and maintaining the health of anatomical structures. Simply, the primary function of the human body is to survive. Every cell in the body is constantly undergoing chemical processes, turning over old machinery to regenerate new ones, and supporting vital functions that take place automatically (via the autonomic nervous system) to keep the heart beating and lungs breathing. This is known as homeostasis.
Survival is the main goal of most organisms on the planet. Our anatomy and physiology reflect this from an evolutionary standpoint. Humans are upright organisms that traverse land on two feet, can craft tools, and have highly developed prefrontal cortexes that allow us to reflect on the past and anticipate the future. We also have the capacity for language and instincts that have allowed us to hunt, forage, and, eventually, farm food. A primary biological driver for humans is to seek and eat food for survival which is hardwired into our most primitive selves. Food is a foundational aspect of human civilization’s development; as we moved away from nomadic tribalism to form ever larger communities around food crops, our species expanded into the billions.
Why Macronutrients Matters
Macronutrients are the nutrients that determine energy level, give structure to body parts, and biochemically make up the body. They are also the primary organic material of food. Having this information is important as we can leverage our understanding of how macronutrients work in the body to live with vitality, improve functionality, and support longevity. Based on relative activity level, daily lifestyle behaviors, sleep habits, vocation or job requirements, and stress level, one can determine appropriate quantities of various macronutrients to consume daily to achieve unique health goals.
When it comes to leveraging our understanding of macronutrients, we have to acknowledge that source really does matter. An ideal source of macronutrients is nature’s most nutrient-dense foods. Nature’s most nutrient-dense foods are those that come from microbiologically diverse soils, plants, and animals that contribute to biodiversity and nature’s regenerative processes. Nutrient-deficient foods are those that come from dirt, plants, and animals lacking in microbiology because they were tended for yield rather than flavor or nutrition. Nutrient-deficient foods are also foods that have nutrients intentionally processed out of them (processed foods) for the manufacturing of food products that are shelf-stable and highly marketable. Healthy nutrition starts by sourcing food that is rich in nutrients as it is the best source of vital macronutrients.
Appropriate quantities of each macronutrient are unique to the individual based on lifestyle and health goals. With better awareness of the food we eat, its source, and the profound impact it has on the function of our bodies, we become empowered to adopt healthier habits. We all need macronutrients from food—protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. By gravitating toward natural foods, we support our vitality and functionality while promoting sustainable practices that can change the world. By making conscious, healthy choices for the body, we create new behaviors that better align with health goals and allow us to thrive.
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