Carbon – Hydrogen
Carbohydrates are molecules that contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
Carbs provide energy
Carbohydrates when consumed will be broke down to Glucose and enter the bloodstream. Better choose wisely because this is where blood sugar spikes and insulin now takes the energy inside the cells. Its then used to produce a fuel molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through a series of complex processes known as cellular respiration. Cells can then use ATP to power a variety of metabolic tasks.
Most cells in the body can produce Energy (ATP) from several sources – Dietary carbs and Fats. The body prefers carbohydrates over any other source of energy Ex- Amino Acids (Proteins), Triglycerides (Fats). This process is called cellular respiration.
Carbs help Provide stored energy
Tell me it ant so…… But this is how and why! Lets say your body has a little surplus after a good meal. Your body will store glucose as a long chain source called glycogen it is found in the liver and muscle for easy access. The liver will hold roughly 100 Grams of Glycogen. These will be released in times of fasting to help maintain a normal blood sugar levels between meals.
The glycogen stored in the muscle can on only be used by the muscles. This is for long periods of high-intensity exercise. The approximate amount of stores is 500 Grams.
This is the only time Carbohydrates are bad! In the circumstance that there is extra glucose left after all energy bills are paid the left over is put into an investment account (fat storage). It is now turned into Triglycerides (Fats). Make sure all bills are paid and this is the investment you do not want!!!
Carbs help preserve muscle
When glucose from the body main energy source is lacking, Muscle can be broken down in to their amino acids and then converted into glucose. This isn’t ideal at all with muscle being of upmost importance for crucial activities for maintaining a healthy and independent life. During times of prolonged exercise Ex – Long Distance Bike/Runs can also cause the body to break down muscle for energy.
This is how the body maintains brain activity during long periods of starvation. Consuming adequate amounts of carbohydrates will help reduce muscle breakdown and provide glucose for the brain.
Carbs promote digestive health
When you have foods high in dietary fiber, These will help with passing a stool. How? Unlike sugars and starches, Dietary fiber cannot be broken down into glucose. What are dietary fibers? These are a type of carbohydrate passes through the body undigested. These are categorized into two main types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.
Where can these be found? Soluble fiber is found in oats, legumes and the inner part of fruits and some vegetables. While passing through the body, it draws in water and forms a gel-like substance. Insoluble fiber is found in whole grains and the skins and seeds of fruits and vegetables. This fiber adds bulk to your stools and making things move a little quicker through the digestive tract.
Are carbohydrates necessary?
Carbohydrates play an important role in most of the body’s processes, There are alternate ways for your body to carry out these tasks. The most abundant fuel source in the body is from triglyceride’s (Fat) not glycogen. The bodies cells can create energy (ATP) from fat molecules, its just not the most efficient process.
When the body is low on glycogen because of starvation or very low-carb diets, the body starts to create a ketone Bodies (Ketones). The body will then start to use the ketones as a energy source. Your body will now be in what’s called ketosis, It produces ketones from fatty acids.
However, even though ketones are the primary fuel source for the brain during times of starvation, the brain still requires around one-third of its energy to come from glucose via muscle breakdown and other sources within the body
Conclusion
Carbohydrates serve several key functions in your body. They provide you with energy for daily tasks and are the primary fuel source for your brain’s high energy demands.
Fiber is a special type of carb that helps promote good digestive health and may lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
