CARBOHYDRATES!!! =)

http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/nutrition/carbohydrate.asp?

     This article titled "Carbohydrates" discussed the effects and results that occur with the carbohydrates we as humans consume. It covered multiple aspects of carbohydrates including; how they effect our bodies, the recommend amount to consume, and how they react within ones body. Carbohydrates are known to many as simply carbs, but how many of us actually understand what the purpose of a carb is? I know before the lab we worked on I didn't actually know much about carbohydrates. However after working on the many different parts in this lab about carbohydrates, I have learned quite alot. Such as the fact that the main purpose of carbs are to give the body specific amounts of energy to break down when necessary. Personally I believe that both this article and our lab we have recently worked on have really improved my understanding of carbohydrates.

     There are two main types of carbohydrates; Sugars and Starches. Everyday we all consume sugars and starches that are necessary for our bodies to store so the energy they contain can later be realeased when needed. In most cases sugars are more easily broken down by the body becasue they are said to be simple, whereas starches are more complex and take a longer amount of time before they can be broken down and used for energy.
     Nearly everything one eats is rich in carbohydrates, nutrients, and various vitamins such as vitamin A and C. Which are most commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Although carbohydrates seem to have a positive effect in ones health there are carbs that aren't as rich in nutrients. These can actually harm the body. Carbohydrates such as mollasses and honey, may taste sweet, but if one does not excersise when these types of carbs are consumed, the body will retain the excess fat that they are giving off. Which can result in health problems.
     Although for the average person I wouldn't recommend eating excesive ammounts of carbs, for most athletes this is a must. For many triathlons and decatholons the athletes paricipating in them prepare for the race by "carb loading," meaning they take in extra amounts of carbs with a higher carb count in order for more of their food intake to be transferred to energy. This prcoess will allow these athletes to hopefully make it through the race with a better outcome. Plus in many cases the extra carbs isn't a worry to athletes because they quickly use these carbs as they are broken down to form energy rather then stored where they will settle and be turned into fat.
     Statistics show that 60% of our daily intake of calories should be from carbohydrates. A good way to achieve this is that one should try to eat foods that provide the body with less fat and sugar and more with vitamins and nutrients. So I leave you with a challenge, try to become a healthier person and watch your intake of carbs, and see how much better you may feel about yourself knowing that your benefiting both your body and your health by doing something as simple as this. =)