User talk:Nyabiba/sandbox

Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Lipids
Macronutrients aid in energy production, growth, and metabolism, among other functions that guarantee good health. The macromolecules are large molecules vital for physiological functioning. They include lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. Their examples in the body are glucose, fructose, and glycogen (for carbohydrates); steroids and phospholipids (for lipids); and enzymes, myosin, actin, and hormones (for proteins). Carbohydrates are obtained from sources such as cereals, beans, potatoes, drinks, and milk. Some are healthy products while others are unhealthy, but in general, they are important for the body as they provide glucose which is used in respiration to produce energy in form of Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP). Carbohydrates are categorized into two groups, simple and complex, depending on the number of molecules in their structure. In terms of structure, they consist of single-sugar units referred to as monosaccharides, double units known as disaccharides, and polymers known as polysaccharides. Their basic structure is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are absorbed into the bloodstream and assimilated in form of simple molecules such as glucose and fructose. Its metabolism is controlled by three essential hormones, namely epinephrine, insulin, and glucagon. Glucose is used in a process referred to as glycolysis whereby it is broken down into a three-carbon compound known as pyruvic acid, while at the same time yielding energy in form of ATP. Another major macronutrient is fat (lipids), which can be obtained from plant and animal sources. It is essential to diet as it produces energy and is used in some other body processes. However, too much lipids in the diet can lead to negative health consequences such as constipation, weight gain, hypertension, and diabetes (Vakili, Nezami, Shetty, Chetty, & Srinivasan, 2015).. Bad fats are obtained from butter, beef, pork, and shortening. Good fats are acquired from nuts, vegetable oils, avocado, salmon, herring, and soft margarine. The structure of lipids is based on the combination of one molecule of glycerol with three fatty acids. Proteins are vital macronutrients required for multiple functions in the body. Structurally, they are polymers of amino acids which link to form long chains referred to as polypeptides. They make hormones, build tissues, muscles, and cells, enzymes, and antibodies, and serve as energy sources in cases of extreme starvation. Eggs, meat, fish, milk, seeds, and nuts are some of the food sources for the macronutrient. Individuals consume different amounts of proteins depending on age, weight, and health. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that link up to form chains known as polypeptides which are the main structural components cells, tissues, and organs. The main structural difference between proteins and the other macromolecules is that they contain nitrogen. Two forms of amino acids exist: essential (those that cannot be formed in the body), and non-essential (those that can be formed in the body). One of the essential amino acids is phenylalanine which can be obtained from eggs and dairy products (Healthline, 2019). Another example is valine which is abundant in meat, seafood, and poultry. Moreover, essential amino acids can be obtained from plant sources such as beans, nuts, and soya. There are food supplements that include essential amino acids, serving as substitutes for the macronutrients (Bifari, et al., 2017). Such products are important, especially for people who are recovering from injuries as they elevate the overall protein in the body. A single amino acid supplement, such as Arginine can offer special health benefits. In the body, it is converted to nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes blood vessels, helping to manage hypertension. However, when taken alongside some medication such as isoproterenol, it may lower the blood pressure too low to cause dizziness and lightheadedness. It can also cause some side effects such as diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and allergies.