Essential Amino Acids, Fatty Acids, and Carbohydrates

When it comes to biology, the word “essential” means that the substance must come from diet and cannot be made from  within the organism.  In humans, we must eat certain things in order to remain healthy.

The book Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, explains that the currently established human essential nutrients are water, energy (calories), amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine), essential fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids), vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, electrolytes, and ultratrace minerals.

Note the absence of specific carbohydrates from this list.

Throughout medical history, specific diseases and conditions have been attributed to deficiencies of the aforementioned nutrients.  For example, certain vitamin deficiencies include scurvy, beriberi, and rickets.  Protein (amino acid) deficiencies include marasmus and kwashiorkor.

Today, it is rare to see an official diagnosis of a nutritional  deficiency, yet from a functional standpoint many of us are starving!

Americans today are over fed and undernourished.  This comes from a diet high in carbohydrates, artificial sugars, and preservatives.

Many of our health complaints will greatly improve as our carbohydrate intake is reduced.  Reducing     carbohydrates does not mean we will be deficient in energy or nutrition because fruits and vegetables have naturally occurring carbohydrates in them.  Our bodies also create carbohydrates from fats and proteins when specific sugars are needed.

Looking to improve your health and wellness?  Want to shed a few extra pounds? Lower your cholesterol or blood pressure?  Diet modification is a great first step. 

I challenge you to greatly reduce or eliminate the large sources of carbohydrates in your diet this month and see what changes happen to you.  The main sources of carbohydrates come in the form of grains (breads, pastas, beer, pastries, cakes), potatoes, rice, soda, candy and sugar.

** Helpful hints **

Pasta: Use spaghetti squash, or veggie noodles.
Bread: Make a lettuce wrap instead of a sandwich.
Sweets: Eat some fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Sweeteners: Stevia, Honey and Agave are much better alternatives to table sugar or any artificial sweetener.