What are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates provide the body with its main source of energy –- glucose. They take the form of either starchy foods or simple sugars. Starchy foods are, in fact, made up from many sugar molecules, tightly bonded together. When we eat them, our digestive enzymes break the starchy foods down into the simple sugars, which are then absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream. Fiber is classed as a carbohydrate and is also made up from lots of sugar molecules. However, unlike starches and sugar, digestive enzymes do not readily break down fiber, so it is not a source of ‘available’ carbohydrate and does not contribute to blood glucose levels.
Carbohydrates should make up 50-60% of the calories in your diet and are the bodies preferred energy source, broken down into two categories: Simple Carbohydrates and Complex Carbohydrates. 1- Complex carbohydrates are carbohydrates that are broken down slowly and elicit a mild blood sugar response. With the exception of post workout meals, complex carbohydrates should represent the majority of the carbohydrates in your diet. 2- Simple carbohydrates are only recommended during the first two hours following your workout. Each gram of Carbohydrates is equal to 4 calories. Best Complex Carbohydrate Sources: Potatoes, Macaroni, Rice, Beans, Pop Corn, Green & Yellow Vegetables, Wheat, Whole Wheat bread, Sweet Potatoes, Oatmeal.
Carbohydrates include starches, fibre (complex carbohydrates) and sugars (simple carbohydrates). Depending on whether they contain additional useful nutrients or not, carbohydrates are divided into refined and unrefined carbohydrates. Fruits for instance, contain simple sugars but because they contain other useful nutrients, they are included in unrefined carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are sugar and starches found in foods like breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, pasta, milk, honey, syrups and table sugar. Carbohydrates are the preferred source of energy for your body. Regardless of origin, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose that your blood carries to cells to be used for energy. Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram, while fat provides 9 calories per gram. Your body cannot differentiate between glucose that comes from starches or sugars. Glucose from either source provides energy for working muscles.
