Monday, 5 September 2016

Free Sports Nutrition Course - intro to carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are fuel for the human body and essential for exercise and for our general well being.


Info Info Info 2
Where is it found? Stored as glycogen in liver & muscles, typically 400g in men.  Its the principal fuel for exercise, a source of energy
What does it do? Maintains blood glucose levels & feeds the brain Danger - hyperglycemia
Low Carbs ? Leads to fatigue = leads to sub optimal performance or often called "hitting the wall" in marathon running
How are they constructed? Made of sugar molecules, more sugar molecles - more complex = slower to break down and feed the body - good for athletes Consume complex carbs and energy release takes longer
Simple Carbs Examples , sugar, milk, cakes, biscuits, honey, fruits
Complex carbs wholegrain bread, brown rice, potatoes, cereals, pulses, nuts, seeds
Bad Carbs Donuts and cakes to name but a few
How can I improve my storing of energy/ carbs? Exercise increases the muscles ability to store glycogen. You train your muscles. The more you exercise the more you can store.
What about Protein?  Protein's primary role is muscle repair and building muscle not providing energy.

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