We Are What We Eat

The body needs complex molecules as a source of energy and as building blocks to allow chemical processes to take place. For this complex organism to function at its best, supply has to equal demand. Supply should not surpass, nor fall behind demand level, but equal it. In simpler words, the food eaten has to break even with what has been lost.

Food can be broken down into carbohydrates, fat (lipids), proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Their properties are explained in short below, but the linked pages will give you a more complex overview of each.

Carbohydrates : These are organic molecules containing Carbon, Oxygen and Hydrogen only. They are a good source of energy and are mainly found in foods containing sugars, starch and cellulose. They are readily available in the blood for the body to use.

Lipids : These are dehydrated organic complex molecules of very high energy value that are stored by the body as fats and oils. They contain approximately 3 times more energy per gram when compared to carbohydrates. They are not readily available for use by the body, but they need to be first broken down by a process known as hydrolysis.

Proteins : Complex molecules of good energy value but not intended to be used as so. Highly needed by the body to build all tissues. They contain Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen. They are made out of different combinations of amino acids so as to produce thousands of different proteins.

Amino Acids : There are 22 diffent amino acid molecules and the careful combination of these into chains can form an unlimited amount of proteins. There are 7 essential amino acids that have to be supplied in the food, the other 15 non-essential amino acids can be made by the body itself.

Vitamins : Organic compounds needed in minute doses by the body. They usually act as cofactors (helpers) to commence or accelerate certain chemical processes. Deficiencies in vitamin levels cause visible ailments.

Minerals : Non-organic atoms that are needed in minute doses to help in chemical reactions as cofactors

Fibre : Undigestible parts of plants that are found in the form of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins and lignins. These fibers are unrelated chemically however, by forming the bulk of stool they can help in maintaining normal function of the intestine.

Water : Being the prime constituent of the body, its importance is incalculable. 90% of the body is water and it takes part in all chemical reaction in the body.

Alcohol : A group of organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; a series of molecules composed of a hydrocarbon plus a hydroxyl group; includes methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and others.