How do Carb’s work?

How do Carb’s work?

How do Carb’s work?

Carbohydrates are one of the main three Macro nutrients essential for survival but How do Carb’s Work?

MITOCHONDRIA

Protein and Fats are the other two. We will cover them in another blog.

There are about 50 trillion cells in the human body. In each one of these cells there is something call the Mitochondria.

The Mitochondria is responsible for creating energy (Adenosin Tri Phosphate – or ATP). This is done via the ingestion of glucose (which is the same as Carb’s).

When we eat Carb’s, it is passed through the bloodstream as glycogen. Glycogen then enters the cell and into the mitochondria. The mitochondria then creates ATP which gives the body its energy.

Of course carbs come in different qualities (a bit like petrol), and different forms. Most people think that carbs are purely pasta, rice, bread and potato. What they don’t understand is that carbs come in many forms. Lollies, cake, fruit, vegetables, sports drinks, and any sugary drinks are all carbs.

Glycaemic Index

G.I is short for Glycaemic Index. The Glycaemic Index is a book written by a group of Scientists. They wanted to see how fast glucose enters the bloodstream with the intake of hundreds of different types of carb’s. The experiment was conducted for the type 2 diabetics testing how to control blood sugar and prevent the high spikes and then the big crash. What they discovered was that certain types of carb’s entered the blood much slower (or faster) than others. The slower the release of blood sugar meant a longer lasting energy source without the spikes and the crashes. These types of carb’s are knowns as Low GI.

By sheer chance, these scientist had an idea. If these Low GI carbs stayed in the body for longer then that means that you don’t get as hungry, which means that you don’t eat as much, which means you don’t put on as much weight !

What a great way for us all to live. It’s not a crash diet, its just normal eating. Also, the more natural the carb’s (less processed), the better it is for you. The more highly processed, the higher the GI, which means that the energy created from the Carb is not as sustainable which means you eat more.

Example of High GI food

A good example of High GI is McDonald’s bread. White, light and fluffy, means very finely ground grains which enter the blood stream very quickly and also leave very quickly. This creates a spike and a crash leaving you feeling hungry. It is also what is in the burger that is the problem.

FAT !! So when you are left hungry the temptation is to have another burger and a load more fat ! Plus the fries along with the cheese !

How do Carb’s work? It gives you something to think about doesn’t it.

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