What Are the Major Sources of Energy in the Body?

Your body requires energy to function. Without it, all of your bodily functions would shut down and your life would fade away with the supply of energy. Luckily the body receives energy from something most people enjoy --- eating. You are what you eat, and there are specific types of foods that will help you remain healthy and have all of the energy you need to live your life.

Protein

• Protein is one source of energy for your body that is generally in the form of meat, eggs or other meat substitutes. Protein is responsible for the building of muscles and for healing damaged body tissue. Protein in a diet helps the body remain energetic and prevents it from becoming fatigued easily. While meats are generally thought of as the main way to get protein into the body, there are other options that include grains, legumes, seeds and nuts as well as some green leafy veggies and broccoli.

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. Carbs, as they are often called, are sugars. While the body is able to store some energy in reserve for everyday activity, intense or extended energy consumption often calls for carbohydrates as an extra fuel source. These types of foods, such as pastas, whole grains, starchy vegetables, fruits and sugary treats, provide quick boosts to the body's energy level. But the excess energy provided by these foods that do not get burned up by activity will be stored by the body and can cause weight gain.

Fat

• Fats, or lipids, are a major source of energy for the body. When the body receives more energy from carbohydrates or proteins than it needs to function, the body stores the energy in fat cells to be used another time. Fats are like the reserve fuel tank for the body. This is why overeating and a lack of physical activity will cause weight gain, because the body is storing more energy than you are using. A diet and exercise routine will cut down on the energy intake and force the body to burn the fat as fuel, resulting in fat loss.

Vitamins and Minerals

• While vitamins and minerals are not technically sources of energy, the body wouldn't be able to use these sources without them. Some vitamins and minerals enable the body to metabolize energy into a form that the body can use. They do this by assisting the appropriate enzymes with the job of turning the protein, carbohydrates and fats into fuel for the body.