Chemical Composition of Cells

In the upcoming Chemical Composition of Cells lab exercise, you will test foods for their starch and lipid content. Other tests include proteins and sugars but because of the chemical nature of the testing reagents, this could not be performed in the home. There are tons of diets on the market that claim to be the best way to lose weight. Some propose high protein or low carbohydrates. Some say do away with fats or proteins all together. Even vegetarians get a little of each substance in their diet. True, diets with high carbohydrates, starches, and fats are not very good for you. Starches and fats take longer to break down in the body and are usually stored as fat in tissue and used only when needed. But, if you don't exercise, these substances will never be needed so they'll just keep accumulating in the tissues. For this topic, discuss why you think it's important to understand the chemical components/nutritional value (protein, carbohydrate, lipid) of foods. Remember that the body breaks down these components into substances that cells need to remain viable. What do you think would be a good diet? Which food substances do you think would contain high proteins? High carbohydrates? High starches? High lipids?