How Your Body Uses Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a source of energy for vital metabolic processes and also are constituents of cellular substances such as nucleic acids, and are enzyme cofactors and structural components of cell walls and cell membranes.

The digestive system breaks down the carbohydrates into simple sugars and ultimately absorbs glucose into the bloodstream. Any excess glucose is converted into glycogen which is then stored around the body. Thus an excess of carbohydrates can lead to an increase in body fat and a gain in weight.

Carbohydrates are conveniently classified into three major groups, polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates), monosaccharides and disaccharides (simple carbohydrates). Complex carbohydrates contain many more nutrients than simple carbohydrates. These complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat bread, potatoes and rice have a high nutrient density and are a good source of dietary fibre, and should be a major ingredient in any persons diet. Between 55% and 75% of calories should come from carbohydrates, which can be gained from supplements and nutritional products.

They have a low fat content, but are usually consumed with meat, cheese, oil or butter, all of which are very fattening. It is a good idea to try and limit the amount of fatty foods and protein rich foods combined with carbohydrates. For instance a pasta dish with a garlic, chili or tomato sauce is far healthier than a similar pasta covered in a cream, cheese or meat topping.

Simple carbohydrates are usually refined foods such as white sugar, white bread or cola. These foods contain little else besides energy (ie. empty calories). Any food that does not have a large variety of nutrients is considered to have a low nutrient density. Foods that have low nutrient densities should be limited to small portions and only eaten as a special treat if the bulk of your diet consists of nutrient dense, natural, whole foods (eg. bananas, fruit juice, nuts, granola, beans and green vegetables).

A few facts about Carbohydrates...

• The body's utilization of sugar and other carbohydrates is a natural, well-regulated process.
• The sugar in your sugar bowl is the same substance found naturally in sugar cane, sugar beets, apples, oranges, carrots and every other fruit and vegetable we eat.
• When you eat a sugar-containing item of food, your body cannot tell whether the sugar came from fruit or whether it was spooned from a bowl. Sugar, regardless of its source, is metabolised in the same way by the body.
• Glucose, which is one-half of the sucrose molecule is essential for proper brain and nervous system functioning.
• All carbohydrate foods become glucose, which generates fuel for the body.

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