Carbohydrates
One of the main types of nutrient for our body is carbohydrate. It is the most important source of energy needed for our daily living. When carbohydrates are taken, our digestive system changes carbohydrate into glucose (sugar). The sugar is then transformed into energy for our cells, tissues and organs. Extra sugar is stored in the liver and muscles for later use when needed.
Carbohydrate is either simple or complex depending on their chemical structure. Simple carbohydrate includes sugar found naturally in food such as fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products. Artificial sugar added during food processing and refining is also a simple carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrates include whole grain bread and cereals as well as starchy vegetables and legumes. Many of the complex carbohydrates are also good sources of fiber.
Protein
Protein is a macro nutrient composed of amino acids that is necessary for the proper growth and function of the human body. While the body can manufacture several amino acids required for protein production, a set of essential amino acids need to be obtained from animal and/or vegetable protein sources. These sources include beef, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy, beans, nuts and seeds.
Fats
Fat provides a source of concentrated energy as well as the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. It circulates these vital nutrients throughout the body.
We also need fat for hormone metabolism, healthy skin and hair, tissue repair, internal organs protection and to prevent excessive loss of body heat.
There are two main types of fat: Saturated and Unsaturated.
Excessive amount of fat are found in saturated animal fats and trans-fatty acids. These types of fat raise cholesterol levels and increase your risk of many chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
Unsaturated fat is generally liquid at room temperature. It comes from vegetable sources and is also found in oily fish and soft margarines usually labeled with ‘high in polyunsaturates’.
Unsaturated fat contains essential fatty acids that cannot be produced by the body. This means, we need to get them from food. Good sources of unsaturated fat include avocados, unsalted nuts (cashew, brazil, pecan, walnut) and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame).
Find cheap zumba dvds and get started to a healthy lifestyle. You will find a wide selection of zumba dvds that will suit your need and quickly learn the steps of zumba fitness exercise.
