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Proteins, carbohydrates and fats are the three main essential components of your healthy diet. These three should be present in just the adequate levels, without which you would be called 'unhealthy'. Proteins are very useful in forming muscles, tendons, hormones, etc. and serve a very important function. Carbs  on the other hand, are the main sources of energy in your body. Glucose made from carbohydrates is used as the energy source by the cells in your body. If they are present either inadequately or in excess, they cause problems within our body.

The ideal proportion of proteins and carbohydrates in your body

In children, the ideal proportion of carbohydrates in their body, according to USDA, is 45%-65% in the age group 1-18. The idea proportion of proteins in children in the age group 1-5 is 20% of the diet, while it's 30% of the diet in the age group 4-18.

In adults, the ideal proportion of carbs remains the same while protein should constitute 10-35% of the diet.

Sources of proteins

• Milk and milk products.
• White meat (like chicken).
• Eggs
• Soy
• Lean beef
• Pork tenderloin
• Beans

Sources of carbohydrates

• Cereals
• Pulses
• Potatoes
• Milk
• Whole grains
• Citrus fruits
• Broccoli
• Nuts and legumes

Uses of Proteins

Proteins are mainly used to build bones, muscles, tendons, etc. It also is used in the formation of healthy hair and nails. Keratin is the protein used especially for this purpose, and also to form the outermost layer of your skin. Moreover, hemoglobin - the oxygen carrier in your blood - is made up of proteins. Also, the basic fact that you can sense anything around you is because of neurotransmitters which are, again, made up of proteins. So basically, you couldn't even exist without proteins because you are simply made up of them!

Uses of carbohydrates

The most important use is the production of glucose from carbs. Glucose is used up by the cells in your body to obtain energy. Moreover, when carbohydrates are present in adequate amounts in your system, it will prevent proteins from being broken down for energy, which would have been the case if your body did not have enough carbohydrates. Sometimes, glucose is used for the production of macromolecules in combination with other chemicals. Carbs also act as the storehouses of energy because glycogen, which is produced from carbs, can store energy for use as and when required.

These and many more are the importance of proteins and carbohydrates in your diet. Consume the required and just the required amount for good health and increased resistance to sickness. Click here to view related products on Joy By Nature.