The Importance of Adequate Carbohydrate Consumption

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The Importance of Adequate Carbohydrate Consumption

Severely restricting carbohydrates is not healthy and offers little advantages in terms of fat loss. Consumers of low carbohydrate products are often deceived into believing all low carbohydrate products are better for their health. However, usually when a product claims to have a low amount of carbohydrates, it fails to mention the increase of fats and proteins the product gains to compensate for the lost carbohydrates. In reality low carbohydrate diets increase health risks and give dieters false hopes. Carbohydrates are significant in supplying energy to the body’s needs. Through plenty of carbohydrates, especially for active people and athletes, the body is able to use its’ adequate amounts of energy efficiently.

The brain and body prefer to use glucose, a product of the digestion of carbohydrates, as an energy source. Therefore, the severe reduction of carbohydrates has many negative effects on the body. By eating only protein and fats the body will go into starvation mode. In the absence of a sufficient amount of carbohydrates the body is forced to use stored blood sugar from the liver and muscles. This process results in an initial protein tissue loss and urinary loss of electrolytes. Protein tissues, muscles, are mostly composed of water; consequently, the elimination of carbohydrates in the body causes the body to start to undergo a process known as ketosis. With this large amount of water loss, it appears that the body is rapidly losing an abundant amount of weight. Although appealing to the dieter, this rapid weight loss from decreased carbohydrates can pose a variety of health risks. Because of the decreased amount of carbohydrate...

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...nd after intense physical activity, the body is able to maintain a balanced level of carbohydrate sources and perform better.

The strict limitation of carbohydrates in a diet may appear to give the desired result of weight loss, but actually brings many health risks. Instead, carbohydrates help to reduce health risks, and also provide your body with key sources of energy. Not only are carbohydrates the main source of energy for the body, but they also create fiber which helps the body’s organs to function properly. The consumption of carbohydrates is important for normal functions of the body, but especially for the performance of an athlete. In order for maximum athletic performance, a large amount of carbohydrates must be consumed throughout the period of a workout. Overall the right amount of carbohydrates and exercise are necessary for a healthy diet.

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