Why are carbohydrates important to exercise?

Carbohydrate is the most efficient source of energy for sports person or an athlete.

No matter what sport you play, complex carbs provide the energy that fuels muscle contractions. Once eaten, carbohydrates break down into glucose, fructose, and galactose that get absorbed and used as energy. These glucose molecules are stored in the liver and muscles to be used for fuel, especially during physical activity. Once these glycogen stores are filled up, any extra gets stored as fat. Carbohydrates improve athletic performance by delaying fatigue and allowing an athlete to compete at higher levels for longer. nutrients, such as fat or muscle protein, are utilized to make energy.

Carbohydrate stored in the form of glycogen is an easily accessible source of energy for exercise. How long this energy supply lasts depends on the length and intensity of exercise and can range anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes or more. Start with full glycogen stores to avoid running out of energy during exercise, replenish them during exercise and refill them after exercise to be ready for the next workout.

The message is very clear from over a half a century of research on the links between food, nutrition and exercise capacity is that next to natural talent and appropriate training, a high carbs diet and adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration are the two most important elements in the formula for successful participation in sport. Of course, there is an underlying assumption that athletes normally eat a well-balanced diet made up of a wide variety of foods, and contains sufficient energy to cover their needs.

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