Category: Macronutrients

Let’s Talk About Zinc

Zinc is needed in more than 200 enzymes and involved in more bodily functions then any other mineral (apart from magnesium). Zinc takes part in many metabolic processes related to the immune system, keeping cell membranes stable, forming new bone, night vision and tissue growth (Wright, and Lenard, 2001). Zinc is also an essential cofactor […]

My View On Saturated Fats

A saturated fat is composed of saturated fatty acids where a linear arrangement of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached at each of the four points available on the carbon atoms. Saturated fats are mainly from animal sources and generally considered not to be healthy as they increase cholesterol levels, leading to heightened risk of […]

Let’s Talk About Iron

Iron is one of the key minerals that our bodies need. This article will give you an overview of the key information that you need to know. Is Iron Important? Iron is the carrier of oxygen in the blood, via haemoglobin, to the tissues of the body (Mann & Truswell, 2020). Haemoglobin is a complex […]

Overconsumption Of Fats

Fats are one of the main three macronutrients along with protein and carbohydrates. The NHS recommends less than 70g of fat per day. This equates to around 30% of an average person’s calorie intake is fat (for a 2,000 calorie diet). Dietary fats are the most energy dense macronutrients providing 9 calories for every gram […]

Let’s Talk About Carbohydrates And Blood Sugar Levels

When we talk about carbohydrates, there are three main types – sugars, starch and fibre. What are carbohydrates? A carbohydrate is constructed from a chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The chemical formula is (CH20)n (where n is the number of carbon atoms in the chain) (Mann and Truswell 2012).  There are three types of […]

Let’s Talk About Protein

Amino Acids There are approximately 20 amino acids, 8 of which can’t be produced (synthesized) by the human body (Ballentine, 2007). These eight are therefore essential to get from a person’s diet. It’s important to note that proteins are in a dynamic state in the body, as they are constantly undergoing processes of synthesis and […]

How Much Protein Do I Need?

Protein is an essential nutrient for the body – it’s the building blocks of organs, muscles, skin, hormones and key for growth. Read more about protein in another article of mine here. There is lots of debate and multiple opinions around how much protein we actually need. But how much protein is really the right […]