A lack of carbohydrates in the body causes a cascading effect on one’s body and important functions in the body. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for optimal health, individuals should be getting 300 grams of carbohydrates as the Daily Value each day. This allows the body to have enough carbohydrates to fuel the brain, produce red blood cells, aid in the functions of the central nervous system and most importantly give us energy. Giving the body plenty of carbohydrates, especially for athletes and active people, the body is able to use its energy more efficiently.
Our body and brain prefers to use glucose as a source of energy and when you cut your carbohydrate …show more content…
Carbohydrates number one job is to provide the body with energy. This energy comes in through the foods we eat, which include starches and sugars, like pasta, rice, and beans. Foods that are low in glycemic index and low in glycemic load are also a very good choice.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 that adults should be consuming 45-65%, which is about 250 to 300 grams of carbohydrates daily. The well-known government food pyramid also shows that carbohydrates are a big portion of a healthy diet. Once again this is proving that carbohydrates are necessary to ensure the body is functioning and performing properly.
Consumption of carbohydrates is important in general, but even more for an athlete’s. Athlete’s muscles rely on a steady level of glucose from carbohydrates to function at the highest level. Carbohydrates are stored all over in the body, but the three main sources in the body are the liver, muscle, and blood sugar. It is highly recommended that athlete’s 60-70 percent of their dietary calories come from carbohydrates because during physical activity their sources become depleted and need to be replenished. If not then an athlete’s performance can be negatively affected. If athlete’s consume carbohydrates before, during, and after intense physical activity, the body is able to maintain a healthy balance
Our body and brain prefers to use glucose as a source of energy and when you cut your carbohydrate …show more content…
Carbohydrates number one job is to provide the body with energy. This energy comes in through the foods we eat, which include starches and sugars, like pasta, rice, and beans. Foods that are low in glycemic index and low in glycemic load are also a very good choice.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 that adults should be consuming 45-65%, which is about 250 to 300 grams of carbohydrates daily. The well-known government food pyramid also shows that carbohydrates are a big portion of a healthy diet. Once again this is proving that carbohydrates are necessary to ensure the body is functioning and performing properly.
Consumption of carbohydrates is important in general, but even more for an athlete’s. Athlete’s muscles rely on a steady level of glucose from carbohydrates to function at the highest level. Carbohydrates are stored all over in the body, but the three main sources in the body are the liver, muscle, and blood sugar. It is highly recommended that athlete’s 60-70 percent of their dietary calories come from carbohydrates because during physical activity their sources become depleted and need to be replenished. If not then an athlete’s performance can be negatively affected. If athlete’s consume carbohydrates before, during, and after intense physical activity, the body is able to maintain a healthy balance