MEPX
Chapter 1 of 10All chapters
  1. 1What food is made of
  2. 2Energy balance
  3. 3What is broadly agreed
  4. 4Why the science is hard
  5. 5Common myths
  6. 6Reading labels
  7. 7Diets
  8. 8Supplements
  9. 9Water, salt and alcohol
  10. 10Practical and honest

Chapter 1 of 10

What food is made of

Macro and micro.

The macronutrients

Protein builds and repairs, fat supports cell structure and hormones and carries some vitamins, carbohydrate supplies readily used energy. All three provide energy, measured in calories.

  • Protein is the most satiating per calorie, which matters for appetite.
  • Fats differ: unsaturated sources have better evidence than saturated for heart health.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals are needed in small amounts and do specific jobs. Deficiencies produce specific illnesses, and more than enough confers no extra benefit.