A quick and easy guide to the three key nutrients that we tend to look for on our food and drink labels. Protein won't just make you build muscles like Arnie, fats won't just make you fat and carbs aren't to be feared! It's all about making the right choices at the right time and life is about having a balance.
Protein
The star of the show! Proteins are broken down into individual amino acids and absorbed into the blood stream. Your system uses the available amino acids to build and repair your muscles from day to day wear and tear and stress from exercise or sport. We've said it many times before but amino acids are the building blocks of healthy muscle and it's essential that you meet your daily protein requirements to support the strength that you need to tackle each and every day. Whether you are gearing up for a big day at work or winding down from an intense session with your personal trainer, proteins play a vital role in keeping your mind and body in tip top shape. Proteins also play a pivotal role in specific components of your immune system, hormones, nervous system and organs.
Carbohydrates
Famous for being the main energy source, carbs are broken down into individual glucose, fructose or galactose molecules (slightly technical we know!) molecules through the digestion process. Glucose is your body's preferred energy source due to its ability to be rapidly digested by your body meaning it is more quickly available to be used. Contrary to popular beliefs, carbs are not the devil! They are essential to keep you fuller for longer and keep your energy levels topped up to allow you to go perform at your best every day. Try not to eat excessive amounts though and try to avoid refined, added sugars as if you eat more than your body can digest then it may well be stored by the body in your fat cells.
Fats
The forbidden word! We don't think so though. There are various essential benefits that fats offer the body. We're not saying everyone should head off to the bakery and buy a load of cream cakes though, as tempting as that is! It is important to get the correct sources of fat in your diet with a big focus on plan fats including flaxseed oil, canola oil, extra virgin olive oil and avocados. Now for the slightly technical bit! Membranes that contain fats surround all the cells of your body and good brain, nervous and endocrine health rely on fatty acids being made available through your diet.
So there you have it, a quick lowdown on the big three nutrients to give you a better understanding of how important they are. All our drinks are formulated with these nutrients in mind. We do not add sugar and unhealthy fats and we keep our drinks as natural as possible to offer you the goodness of protein without the added bad bits!
