Carbs, Fats, and Protein: What Are Their Roles in Health?
All three macronutrients play an important role in your overall health (yes — even fat).
Macronutrients are the nutrients your body needs in large amounts. There are three macronutrients:
Carbohydrates
Protein
Fat
In this video, learn the role of each type of macronutrient in a healthy diet.
References
Holesh, J. E., et al. (2024). Physiology, carbohydrates. StatPearls.
Jäger, R., et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Protein and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Malik, N., et al. (2020). Beyond “counting macros”: Are common fad diets nutritionally adequate? An examination of their micronutrient content. Current Developments in Nutrition.
MedlinePlus. (2024). Facts about trans fats.
MedlinePlus. (2021). Omega-3 fats - good for your heart.
MedlinePlus. (2024). Omega-6 fatty acids.
MyPlate. (n.d.). Protein foods.
National Agricultural Library. (n.d.). How many calories are in one gram of fat, carbohydrate, or protein?
National Institute on Aging. (2022). Healthy eating as you age: Know your food groups.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2016). Cut down on saturated fats.
Savarino, G., et al. (2021). Macronutrient balance and micronutrient amounts through growth and development. Italian Journal of Pediatrics.
Slavin, J., et al. (2014). Carbohydrates. Advances in Nutrition.
Trumbo, P., et al. (2002). Dietary reference intakes for energy, carbohydrate, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein, and amino acids. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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