• April 27, 2024

What is the purpose of eating and the fate of the food we eat? We are made up of millions of cells that make up our tissues and organs, which need energy to perform their functions, either contract if they are muscle, or send an electrical impulse from one neuron to another if they belong to the nervous system, and that this, for example, let's move a finger.

The energy that the body requires is obtained from fats, glucose and nutrients. The metabolism aims to transform what we eat into energy. Therefore, what we eat produces a universal energy source, known as ATP, which keeps us alive.

Nutrients that provide energy

To survive we need basic nutrients such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, which we can supplement with minerals, vitamins and water; this allows maintaining structural function, muscles, organs, the central nervous system, as well as movement and interaction, among other functions.

Hydrates produce between 40 and 60% of the energy we need, but when it is not used it is stored in the form of fat. There are complete carbohydrates that are in fruits, vegetables and grains, they have a lot of fiber and are energetically good, because they favor digestion and prevent a large number of diseases.

However, the so-called refined ones such as white sugar or white flours are harmful because they are mostly associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity and atherosclerosis.

What fats and proteins do you eat?

When dictating the conference Metabolism and Nutrition performed, during the Body Worlds nights that took place in the Museum of Sciences, Universum, Dr. Raúl Carrillo He mentioned that the proteins are in white and red meats and in some vegetables. "Adults need to consume 120 grams of meat, which would be equivalent to a piece the size of the outstretched hand."

He explained that through fats we also obtain the energy necessary to survive, so it is recommended to ingest unsaturated fats such as those from oils of vegetable origin or fish, such as salmon or tuna.

Therefore, in order to obtain the necessary energy, he recommended eating preferably fresh, non-industrialized foods, which may contain a lot of salt and preservatives; consume more fruits and vegetables.

Adults should not eat much meat; they need to ingest complete carbohydrates, as well as reduce the intake of animal fats, excess protein and sugars. He pointed out that consuming these foods will allow us to keep our cells alive and healthy.

Video Medicine: Metabolism & Nutrition, part 1: Crash Course A&P #36 (April 2024).