The information I have written here, will give you some basic knowledge of nutrition. If you are serious about exercising, or bodybuilding, this will help you out. Without the basic knowledge of nutrition, you won't be able to take your training to its max.
Now all of us out there have heard the words carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, and vitamins sometime during our lifetime right? Right, but how many of us know what they do, or anything about them?
First off, know that carbs, proteins, fats, water, and vitamins are the six classes of nutrients. Instead of talking about all six in this article, I will talk about one per article. In this first article, I will cover carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate is a compound that contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are known to us as sugars, starches, and dietary fiber. Carbohydrates yield on an average about 4 kcal (kilocalories) per gram. For instance; if you eat a food that has 20g of carbohydrates in it, you are getting 80 kcal. Take 4 x 20.
A kcal, or kilocalorie is the heat needed to raise the temperature of 1000 grams (1 liter) of water 1 degree Celsius, or 4 cups of water by 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Carbohydrates are one of our main sources of fuel. Without carbs in your body right now, you would probably be walking around like a zombie; that is if you can even walk.
Our brain requires carbs to function, and our muscles require carbs to support intense physical activity, such as bodybuilding. Getting enough carbs throughout the day is very important, as the liver glycogen is used up in about 18hrs when carbs aren't consumed.
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Everything You Need To Know About Carbohydrates! The following article will change how many of you look at Carbohydrates. Once you understand how carbs work in your body, you can maximize energy and yes loose fat while taking in a fairly high carbohydrate diet. [ Click here to learn more. ] |
Glycogen is a white, tasteless polysaccharide (C6H1005)n. Glycogen serves as an energy reservoir, being broken down to glucose when needed. Now you are probably thinking, who cares! Here is why you need to know this.
Glycogen Molecule
If you don't get enough carbs, the body is then forced to produce carbs from protein. And all of us know, we need protein to build muscles. So the point is, if you aren't eating enough carbs, you might as well kiss that protein good by.
The two different forms of carbs are the simple carbs, and complex carbs. The simple carbs are called sugars, and the complex carbs are called starches. Approximately half is represented by starch; another third by table sugar (sucrose) and milk sugar (lactose); and smaller percentages by monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose, which are common in fruits, honey, and syrups.
The small remainder consists of bulk, or indigestible carbohydrate (fiber), which comprises primarily the outer covering of seeds and the stalks and leaves of vegetables.
If you are confused about all of this mumbo jumbo, don't worry. Just remember this.
50% of our energy comes from carbs.
Carbs have a protein sparing effect.
There are simple, and complex carbs.
Carbs yield 4 kcal per gram.
If you are looking for a supplement with extra carbs, check out Endurox R4. It is composed of complex carbs, and is a good source of energy before a workout. Stay tuned for part 2 of The Basics of Nutrition, which will cover protein.