The glycemic index is an index used to rate the rate of different carbohydrates increasing the sugar levels in the blood. The index uses glucose as a reference food, and it has a score of 100. Carbohydrates are broken fast and have a high glycemic index, such as baked potatoes, among others (Vega-Lopez et al., 2018). These carbohydrates release glucose in the blood quickly. On the other hand, carbohydrates that are broken slowly release glucose at a slower rate and, hence, a low glycemic index. Such carbohydrates increase the digestion time and help with the feeling of satiety. Foods that may lower the glycemic index include fructose, fibres, protein, fat, and lactose.
Macronutrients can be defined as nutrients required in large amounts by the body. There are three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (Oliphant et al., 2019). Carbohydrates are chains of sugars and include sugars, starches, and fibres. Average carbohydrates contain four calories in one gram. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source in the body and are in two forms: complex and simple. The recommended calorie level from carbohydrates is around 45-46% of daily calories. Proteins are the building blocks and are responsible for growth and tissue restoration. When digested, proteins form polypeptides and amino acids for ease of absorption. The USDA recommended calorie level from proteins is 10-35% of daily calories.
On the other hand, Fats are the densest source of energy in the body. Fats help with the absorption of vitamins and the energy stored in the body. One gram of fat contains nine calories and only 25-35% of daily calories are recommended. Fats are further classified into saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fats are from animal sources, whereas unsaturated fats are from plants. In addition, there are trans fats from commercial manufacturing, which are very unhealthy since they increase the LDL cholesterols.
Adenosine triphosphate is the primary source of energy in the body. Conversion of ATP to energy occurs through hydrolysis. The process involves the dephosphorylation of ATP in a process known as hydrolysis to form ADP (Meryat et al.,, 2019). The body is dependent on energy for various processes like muscle relaxation, contraction, and nerve signalling, among others—the conversion process yields around 7.3 kilocalories per molecule of ATP.
The eleven organ systems in the body include the circulatory system, which comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The function of this system is blood circulation and oxygen and nutrient supply in the body (Zierle-Ghosh et al., 2020). Secondly, the lymphatic system is comprised of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, lymph glands, and ducts. The function of this system is for the transportation of lymph and plays a significant role in immunity. The respiratory system involves the lungs, trachea, and the respiratory tree. This system is essential for breathing and also the regulation of the body’s oxygen and pH. The integumentary system includes the skin, its appendages, and the nerves. The system is essential for temperature regulation and protection of inner organs. The immune system is broad and contains the organs essential for immune regulation, which are comprised of the spleen, adenoids, and bone marrow, among others. The reproductive system is necessary for reproduction and comprises the uterus, ovaries, and vagina in females and the penis and testis in males.
Additionally, the nervous system is the most complex and essential for many body processes, such as sensation (Zierle-Ghosh et al., 2020). The nervous system comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The musculoskeletal system includes the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. The musculoskeletal is essential for movement and posture. The gastrointestinal system consists of the stomach, intestines, and liver. The system is necessary for food digestion, absorption, and excretion. The endocrine system comprises the glands in the body; its function is the regulation of metabolism in the body. Lastly is the urinary system, which is made up of kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters, and its function is water and electrolytes absorption and also excretion.