This list is a categorization of the most common food components based on their macronutrients. Macronutrients can refer to the chemical elements that humans consume in the largest quantities (See Nutrient)
Contents
Macronutrients that provide energy
There are three primary macronutrients: carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Macronutrients are defined as a class of chemical compounds which humans consume in the largest quantities (must be above a threshold amount) and which provide humans with the bulk of energy. While water does make up a large proportion of the total mass ingested as part of a normal diet, it does not provide any nutritional value. Alcohol is a calorically dense compound that can provide large amounts of bioavailable energy although it is not a necessary dietary component.
Carbohydrates
Amino acids
Saturated fats
Monounsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats
Essential fatty acids
These 2 essential fatty acids are the starting point for other important omega-acids (e.g. DHA, EPA)
Water
Water is perhaps the most important substance for life on Earth. It provides the medium in which all metabolic processes proceed. As such it is necessary for the absorption of macronutrients, but it provides no nutritional value in and of itself. Water often contains naturally occurring micronutrients such as calcium and salts, and others can be introduced to the water supply such as chlorine and fluoride for various purposes such as sanitation or dental health.
Fitness and bodybuilding
In sports, fitness and bodybuilding the term macros is used extensively to refer to macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and lipids). Additionally, the term carb or carbs refers to carbohydrates.
Almost all diet plans are based on judicious distribution of these three elements in required ratios. For example, a 2000 calorie diet could consist of 800 calories from 200 grams of protein(1 g of protein = 4 kcal), 800 calories from 200 grams of carbs(1 g carbohydrates = 4 kcal) and 400 calories from 44 grams of fats (1 g fat = 9 kcal).
This is also called counting or tracking macros.