Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, the nutrient we love to hate. Of the three major energy nutrients carbohydrates are your body’s preferred source of energy for all metabolic functions and are absolutely necessary for a healthy reduction in stored body fat. The primary role of carbohydrates is to provide energy to cells in the body, particularly the brain, which is the only carbohydrate-dependent organ in the body. This can explain why we crave sugar as soon as our blood sugar levels begin to drop.

All carbohydrates are sugars.  All digestible carbohydrates, regardless of their complexity, eventually provide energy to the body in the form of glucose, also known as blood sugar. However, it is important to note that although all carbohydrates are sugars they all don’t behave the same way.  For example, plant fibers, also known as polysaccharides, are not digestible and do not provide energy for the human body. Carbohydrates can be subdivided into several categories based on the number of sugar units present and each digestible carbohydrate yields approximately four calories per gram.

As carbohydrate metabolism begins and glucose starts its journey via the blood stream the body responds through a series of reactions. One very important reaction is the release of a hormone called insulin also known as the storage hormone. Insulin is essential to life and performs many important functions.  As stated in the introduction, it is insulin’s job to work with glucogon in order to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin also delivers nutrients to cells so that they may perform their work. In addition, it is also insulin’s responsibility to convert the excess food we eat into stored energy (body fat) and at the same time prevent the breakdown of stored energy (body fat) to be used. This can happen for several reasons, for example, if too much food or the wrong food is eaten your body recognizes a rise in blood sugar levels and responds by increasing insulin production. If cells reach their capacity it then becomes insulin’s job to help convert the excess energy into adipose tissue which can be used at a later time. As you begin to understand this process you will realize how important it is for us to regulate our blood sugar levels through diet.  This in turn will allow us to control our weight by creating a more favorable atmosphere within our body.

*IMPORTANT*

Carbohydrates are essential to healthy weight loss!  However, to keep things simple carbohydrates should not be eaten alone.  Remember, food can have a very powerful hormonal response so let’s make it a positive one!