Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are all essential nutrients for the human body. Recommendations about each of these nutrients can seem to be contradictory. In addition, most of us are exposed to a lot of misinformation about carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. For example “carbs are bad and cause weight gain”, “fats are good/bad”, and “all protein is healthy”.
Choose one of the following points to elaborate on for this discussion forum, as your “original post” (200 words).
Carbohydrate confusion: It is recommended that the bulk of the diet be carbohydrates (fruit, vegetables, and whole grains), yet some research indicates that certain carbohydrates may be unhealthy. Discuss this discrepancy. Some ideas you may include in your discussion: why the bulk of the diet should be carbohydrates; what types of carbohydrate containing foods should be consumed; what types of carbohydrates should be limited?
Fats confusion: Fats are an important part of the diet. Research indicates that some fats promote health, while other put us at risk for disease. Discuss this discrepancy. Some ideas you may include in your discussion: what types of fats are health promoting and why; what types of fats are unhealthy and why; what types of foods contain healthy fats; what types of foods contain unhealthy fats?
Protein: Protein is a vital nutrient that has many functions in the body. However, many Americans overemphasize the importance of protein as a component of the diet. Most do consume more than what is actually needed for good health. In fact most people would benefit from a diet with less meat. Discuss protein in general and how protein and protein containing foods are valued in American society. Some ideas you may include in your discussion: what types of protein containing foods should be consumed; what types of protein containing foods should be limited; how can the typical American diet be changed to include healthier food sources of protein?