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Macronutrients
compared: carbohydrates, proteins and lipids

For the body to function properly and stay healthy, it needs energy and nutrients obtained from food.

Everything we eat is transformed through metabolism into elements useful for growth, tissue repair, and maintenance of vital functions.
Nutrients are divided into two main categories: micronutrients and macronutrients.
Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals, which the body requires in very small amounts, typically measured in milligrams per day. Macronutrients, on the other hand, are the substances the body needs in larger amounts and include carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.

To understand the difference, consider that while the average daily requirement for vitamin C is about 75 milligrams, an adult person needs 250 to 300 grams of carbohydrates per day to sustain his or her energy metabolism.
The balance of macronutrients in the diet

In a balanced diet, most of the calories should come from carbohydrates, which should account for about half of the daily energy intake. Lipids should make up 25-30% of total calories, while protein should cover 15-20%.

It is important to remember that calories and weight do not coincide. One gram of carbohydrate or protein provides about 4 kilocalories, while one gram of fat provides more than twice as many, about 9. For this reason, even a small change in the amount of lipids can significantly affect the overall calorie balance.

Maintaining proper macronutrient balance is essential to ensure energy, metabolic efficiency, and long-term health.

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Lipids: energy reserve and cellular protection
Lipids, commonly known as fats, are the body's main reserve energy source. They participate in heat production, aid the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins, and are essential for the production of hormones and the health of cell membranes.

It is advisable to include essential fats in the diet, fats that the human body is unable to synthesize and therefore must be introduced through the diet. Essential fats include omega-3s, which are also found in chicken meat. In the right amounts, these "good" fats contribute to the health of the heart and circulatory system, while an excess of saturated fats can increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
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Carbohydrates: immediate energy for the body
Carbohydrates are the fastest and most efficient source of energy for the body. They provide glucose, a molecule that, along with oxygen, is used by cells to produce energy.

Every movement, thought or daily activity consumes energy, which carbohydrates help replenish. There are complex carbohydrates--such as starch--that release energy gradually and steadily, and simple carbohydrates--such as sugar--that are assimilated rapidly.

An excess of carbohydrates, especially simple ones, can lead to the transformation of glucose into fat reserves and, over time, to an increase in body weight.
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Protein: the building blocks of life
Proteins are essential for building and maintaining the body. They are made up of amino acids, some of which must be introduced through the diet because the body is unable to produce them on its own.

Taking in high-quality protein, which contains all the essential amino acids, is therefore essential to ensure proper tissue formation and the performance of vital functions such as the production of enzymes, hormones and antibodies.

Excess protein, however, can be converted by the body into carbohydrates or fatty acids, resulting in increased body weight.
Once again, the key is balance.