What are carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are one of the main nutrients required by the body in large amounts each day to sustain health. Carbohydrates are the main energy source for the body.
Carbohydrates occur mainly in the following (natural) foods:
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Important carbohydrates facts
- The brain is very dependent on glucose to maintain its proper function
- All the cells in the body require energy to work properly and these are mainly obtained from the glucose that is obtained when carbohydrates are broken down and digested
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Why carbohydrates are important
Carbohydrates are now classed in terms of their glycemic index (and glycemic load), with the dense (nutrient-rich) carbohydrates having a low glycemic index, which means they are broken down to their simplest form - glucose - over a longer period and therefore ensure that blood glucose levels are kept on a constant level.
Carbohydrates are the nutrient that provide all the cells in the body with the energy they need, through the simple sugar, glucose.
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references
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
More information
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
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