The Untouchable Macronutrient: Exploring The Unwavering Reputation of Protein
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Date
2023-03-20
Authors
Deivanayagam, Nithi
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Abstract
A healthy well-balanced diet should include macronutrients like protein, fats, and carbs
since it gives the body the fuel and nutrients it needs to function. Carbs are known to be the
primary source of energy as it supplies the body with glucose, which provides energy for the
body’s function and physical activities.1 Healthy carbs are found in foods like whole grains,
beans, fruits, and vegetables. Fats are considered to be the secondary source of energy as it is
supplying energy that can use immediately or “stored for later when the energy from carbs is
depleted.”2 Healthy fats can be found in foods like nuts, seeds, and oils, which are stored in the
body to provide insulation, protect organs, regulate cholesterol levels, and carry fat-soluble
vitamins.2 Protein has many different functions in the body and can be obtained from various
sources. Over the last few decades, especially in the 1970s and 1990s, these macronutrients have
been subject to various forms of vilification, where one or more components got labeled as “bad”
or “unhealthy.” Due to the defemination of certain macronutrients, like fats and carbs, there has
been a rise in popular diets that promote restricting or avoiding a particular macronutrient, like
low-fat and low-carb diets. Carbs have been vilified due to weight gain and obesity, and fats have
been condemned because of their negative impacts on health. Protein has not been vilified like
the other macronutrients due to its ability to increase satiety, promote weight loss, and build
muscle mass, and the lack of evidence linking protein to negative health outcomes.
Description
9 pages
Keywords
Top Protein Wars, essay, nutrition