Question
What do you mean by macro nutrients? Explain about any two macro nutrients.

Answer

Macro nutrients constitute the majority of individuals' diet. Hence, it can be said that they are taken in Iarge amounts. They supply energy and are needed for growth and maintenance of the body.They include carbohydrates, proteins, fats and water:
  1. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the most important source of energy. They contain the elements of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The very first part of the name 'carbo' means that they contain carbon. The second part of the name 'hydr' means that they contain hydrogen. The third part of the name 'ate' means that they contain oxygen. In all carbohydrates, the ratio of hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms is $2 : 1$ just like water, i.e., $H_2O$. Carbohydrates are actually the organic compounds that are important for different digestive operations in our body.
  2. Proteins: Proteins contain-carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sometimes sulphur. Proteins are very large molecules, so they cannot be directly absorbed into our blood. So they are turned into amino acids by our digestive system. There are $23$ amino acids. Out of these, $9$ amino acids must be available in the diet. These amino acids are used by the body to create blood, muscles, nails, skin, hair and tissues in internal organs. Proteins form new tissues, repair the broken tissues, regulate balance of water and acids, transport oxygen and nutrients and make antibodies. Excessive use of proteins in diet, especially animal proteins can result in heart diseases, osteoporosis, stroke and kidney stones. Body requires only $0.36$ grams ofprotein per pound of the ideal body weight. If proteins are not taken in appropriate amount in diet, then we may suffer from deficiency diseases. Marasmus and kwashiorkor are protein deficiency diseases in children.

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