Carbohydrates are the main source of energy. Over 56% of the body gets energy from carbohydrates, the rest – at the expense of protein and fat.
The need for carbohydrates is determined by energy costs. Average need carbohydrates for those who are not engaged in heavy physical labor, 400 – 500 grams per day.
The ability of carbohydrates to be a highly efficient source of energy lies at the basis of protein saving up their actions. When a sufficient amount of dietary carbohydrate amino acids are only marginally used in the body as an energetic material. Although carbohydrates do not belong to the essential nutritional factors and may be formed in the body from amino acids and glycerol, the minimum amount of daily carbohydrate intake should be below 50 – 60 g. A further reduction in the number of carbohydrates leads to the abrupt breakdown of metabolic processes.
Excess carbohydrate intake leads to obesity. In the construction of food rations is extremely important not only to meet human needs in the required amounts of carbohydrates, but also to find the optimal ratio of qualitatively different types of carbohydrates. Most important to take into account the ratio in the diet of easily digestible carbohydrates (sugars) and slowly absorbed (starch, glycogen).
If you receive a significant intake of sugar they can not be postponed in the form of glycogen, and the excess turns into triglycerides, contributing to enhanced development of adipose tissue. Elevated levels of insulin in the blood helps to speed up this process, since insulin has a powerful stimulating effect on fat deposition.
Unlike sugars, starch and glycogen slowly split in the intestine. The content of sugar in the blood while gradually growing. In this connection it is advisable to meet the needs carbohydrates mainly by slowly absorbed carbohydrates. At their share should account for 80 – 90% of the total intake of carbohydrates. Limitation easily digestible carbohydrates is particularly important for those who suffer from atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity.
See Also
Return from Carbohydrates to homepage
Related Posts:
- The Atkins Diet Food Pyramid
- Proteins, Fats and Carbohydrates
- How many calories needed for healthy weight loss
- Vitamins for Weight Loss
- Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet
- Minerals
- Diabetes and Weight Loss
- Low Carb Diet
- Obesity in Women
- Training and Weight Loss
- Should a vegetarian go on a low carbohydrate diet?
- Befriend Protein and Good Carbs
- Causes of Obesity
- Madonna Diet
- 10 commandments in every day to be in shape
- Acai Berries and Weight Loss
- An effective diet for diabetic patients to lose weight
- Speed up your Metabolism – Part 1
- Understanding Weight Gain and Loss
- The Facts on Diabetes
