Macronutrients provide calories or energy for the body to run. We require nutrients for growth, metabolism, and body functions.
The “macro” part of Macronutrients means large. This is the way we know we require large amounts of them to fuel the body.
All macronutrients must be obtained through diet as the body cannot produce them on its own.
Three Macronutrients
Carbohydrate - Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches, cellulose and fibers found in fruits, grains, rice, bread, cereals and starchy vegetables. They're a source of energy for the body and typically can be broken down to release energy
Protein -
Fat -
Macronutrients Calories
Macronutrients provide calories but each one varies.
- Carbohydrate provides 4 calories per gram
- Protein provides 4 calories per gram
- Fat provides 9 calories per gram.
The only other substance that provides calories is alcohol (ethanol).
- Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram.
Alcohol, however, isn’t technically a macronutrient because we do not need it for survival.