...Nutrition Breakdown...
Are the preferred energy source of the brain and nervous system.
Carbohydrates provide energy for muscle movement and red blood cells. They play a role in the regulation of fat metabolism. Carbohydrates are composed of smaller units, known as sugars, that contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Two types of carbohydrates are necessary for the body to work efficiently and to fulfill its energy needs.
Long-term deprivation of carbohydrates leads to weakness, decreased metabolism, and loss of lean body (muscle) tissue.
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Simple Carbohydrates: consist of glucose, fructose, and sucrose contain one or two sugars.
Found in fruits, juices, dairy products, and refined sugars.They are easily absorbed by the body. Considered nutrient-dense foods. Consuming too much of this type of sugar can cause malnutrition as well as a build up of plaque caused by bacteria in the mouth. This build up of plaque, an acid, eats away at teeth, causing tooth decay.
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Complex carbohydrates are long, straight or branched chains of sugars that form starch or fiber.
Found in plant foods like grains, legumes, and vegetables.
How Carbohydrates Are Used By The Body
Digestion of complex carbohydrates can take up to 4 hours, providing a sense of fullness. During the digestion process the simple and complex carbs are broken down into glucose. Glucose is then absorbed by the body and released into the blood, where it is referred to as blood sugar.
When blood sugar level is too high, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin is a hormone that makes it possible for the liver to convert glucose to glycogen. Glycogen is stored in the muscles and excess glycogen is turned into fat. When you are physically active, the glycogen in the muscles is burned. When you are under stress, the hormone epinephrine is released and converts the stored glycogen to glucose for energy. This is what causes normal people to do amazing things, such as lifting weight several times their normal ability or running from danger.