Proteins are part of every organ and tissue in our body. We need to eat it every day to repair cells and make new cells. The building blocks of proteins are known as amino acids, which cannot be made by the body. There are two types: complete or...
Many Americans have a love affair with the salt shaker, consuming much more than their recommended daily sodium allotment. While sodium is essential, a healthy diet satisfies most people's needs. Table salt is made up of 40 percent sodium and 60...
A healthy diet includes fat. Fat is an important source of energy for your body, and it aids in the absorption of some vitamins and helps make hormones. It also protects your internal organs and shields you from extreme temperatures. You probably...
Despite the prevalence of low-fat diets marketed in American society, fat represents an essential part of a healthy diet. Your body utilizes some types of dietary fat to maintain healthy cell membranes, while other fats allow for proper hormone...
Protein is an essential nutrient for your strength and overall health, but it can be confusing to figure out how much you need. Your needs depend on your activity levels and energy needs, and you can estimate the amounts using recommendations...
Fat molecules are composed of glycerol and fatty acids. They are the most energy-efficient source of calories, and the most common method of storing excess energy. Fat is an essential element in human nutrition, although many people consume more...
Though many people have a sweet tooth, sugar, unfortunately, is not a necessary part of your diet. The U.S. government does not make recommendations for how much sugar you should get each day. However, sugar is a carbohydrate, and the government...
Dietary fiber falls under the complex carbohydrate category, but it also exists as a macronutrient in its own right. Humans need significant amounts of macronutrients, measured in grams, in order to regulate body processes, such as digestion in...
Fats are nutrients that are found in both plant-based and animal-based foods. Some types of fats play important roles in your body, such as maintaining healthy organ and nervous system function; however, the typical American diet provides more fat...
The fat found in foods provides the body with energy. Fat also plays a crucial role in the absorption of vitamins, the formation of hormones, warmth, insulation and preventing organs from injury. While a certain amount of fat is essential, too...
Dietary fat plays an essential role in vitamin absorption and healthy development, but too much fat in your diet leads to weight gain, as well as other health concerns. To meet your body's need for dietary fat, aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your...
Fat is one of three macronutrients that you need to consume in your diet, along with protein and carbohydrates. Fat is a key energy source that helps produce hormones and protects your vital organs. Dietary fat should account for a substantial...
Protein is the basic structure of amino acids; every cell in the human body contains protein. Protein makes up your skin, muscles, organs and glands. Protein is also present in all bodily fluids except urine and bile. Protein helps your body...
As a man, your body requires a sufficient, daily supply of iron to keep your body running in top form. Iron is a metal that helps transport oxygen throughout your body and helps support your immune system. If you have questions about how much iron...
Most healthy adults need about 1,800 to 2,200 calories a day to support their energy needs. Even the most sedentary people usually need about 1,500 calories a day, so a 1,200-calorie diet is quite low. Regardless of caloric intake, however,...
Fat is a type of nutrient found in foods that is needed by the body for energy. If unused, high levels of fat can contribute to increased fat stores in the body. Excess fat intake can lead to unwanted weight gain and an increased risk for heart...
The fiber in your diet comes from the parts of fruits, vegetables and grains that your body can't absorb or digest. After you've eaten a plant-based food, the sugar, water, vitamins and minerals from that food pass through your intestinal walls...
Sugar is a controversial subject when it comes to diet and nutrition. Sugar is included in many foods and beverages, so avoiding it can be difficult. However, it is not necessary to eliminate sugar from your diet; in fact, you should consume some...
Proteins are used by the body to make amino acids, which are the building blocks of cells and tissues. The proteins taken in through diet are used to replenish existing proteins. There are many sources of dietary proteins, including meat, eggs and...
Fat performs necessary functions in the body from facilitating the absorption of vitamins A, E, D and K to providing structure to cell membranes. Although necessary, consuming too much fat contributes to weight gain and medical conditions such as...
The United States Department of Agriculture sets recommendations for daily requirements of macro-nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and protein as well as for vitamins and minerals. The Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA, is intended to help...
Your body use sugars for energy. When carbohydrates break down into glucose or other simple sugars, they're absorbed through the small intestine into the bloodstream and then taken up into cells, where they're used for energy. Different types of...
Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that is available. Without enough insulin, blood sugar levels can get too high and diabetes can occur. Diet, exercise and in some cases...
Fiber helps keep your bowel movements regular by decreasing your risk of constipation, hemorrhoids and other gastrointestinal disorders. Most American diets are sorely lacking in this key nutrient. According to the textbook "Biochemistry," the...
Protein serves as the building block of all your body's cells. It helps repair and build new cellular tissue, oxygenates your blood and plays an indirect role in numerous other functions. Protein is one of three macronutrients you need to consume...
Eating the appropriate amount of calories and fat grams per day helps women stay healthy and maintain an adequate weight. Since women's individual nutritional needs may vary, you should speak to a nutritionist or doctor if you have specific concerns.
There are two main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fats encompass trans fats as well. Unsaturated fats covers the category of mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Each fat molecule is composed of fatty acids and a glycerol; their...
Because 1 g of fat contains 9 calories, it is important to follow a diet low in fat to lose weight. But not all fat grams are alike: Saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease, while unsaturated fat can promote good health. Making...
Protein makes up part of every cell in your body. It is classified as a macronutrient, a nutrient that you need in large amounts to foster proper growth, development and body function. Severe protein deficiency is rare in the United States, but...
