Carbohydrates Provide Important Micronutrients

When we talk about macronutrients,we understand immediately that it refers to carbohydrates, proteins and fats. On the other hand, what do you understand about micronutrients? Micronutrients refer to vitamins and minerals. These two organic substances are essential to the human diet. For example, many B vitamins are essential for energy production. However, do not be confused into thinking that vitamins are synonymous with energy. This is because vitamins on their own do not actually contain any energy. We get energy from macronutrients, which are carbohydrates, proteins and fats in our diet. However, the energy contained in these nutrients cannot be used without the help of vitamins. Fruits, vegetables and cereals that are in the carbohydrate food group are the main sources of vitamins and minerals.

CARBOHYDRATES FOR SPORTS AND EXERCISE

Carbohydrates serve as an instant fuel to the working muscle. Do you know that in fact, our body uses different mixtures of fuels to support physical activity? They are glucose from carbohydrate, fatty acids from fat and to a certain extent, amino acids from protein. Muscle glycogen is the primary carbohydrate source of energy for physical activity performance. At the same time, liver will release some of its glucose in order to maintain or elevate blood glucose levels. Some studies noted that during moderate exercise, muscleglycogen and liver glycogen supply are equal to carbohydrate oxidation. However, as the intensity of exercise increases, the usage of muscle glycogen also increases.
Carbohydrates used in exercise depends upon a few factors:
1. Duration of exercise
2. Type of exercise
3. Pre-event food
4. Pre-exercise carbohydrate store status
5. Degree of training
6. Intensity of exercise

Nutrition

What is nutrition?

Nutrition usually is defined as the sum total of the processes involed in the intake and utilization of food substances by living organisms, including ingestion, digestion, absorption, transport and metablolism of nutrients found in food. This definition stresses the biochemical or physiological functions of the food we eat, but the American Dietetic Association notes that nutrition my be interprated in a broader sense and be affected by a variety of psychological, sociological and economic factors.

The primary purpose of the food we eat is to provide us with a variety of nutrients. A nutrient is a specific sub-stance found in food that performs one or more physiological or biochemical functions in the body. There are six major classes of nutrients found in food: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water.

  Nutriens perform there basic functions. First, carbohydrates and fats are the prime sources of energy. Protein may also provide energy, but this is not its major function. Vitamins, minerals and water are not energy sources. Secound, nutrients are use to promote growth and development by building and repairing body tissue. Protein is the major building material for muscle, other soft tissue and enzyem, while certain minerals such as calsium and phosphours make up the skeletal framework. Third, nutrients are used to help regulate metabolism or body processes. Vitamins, minerals and protein work closely together to maintain the diverse physiological precesses of human metabolism.

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