Friday, April 24, 2015

Medical Investigations: What is the role of carbohydrates?

We are used to that specialists recommend us to include carbohydrates in our diet, as they are the staple food in all societies of the world. But sometimes, like with other nutrients, we do not question what they really are and what are the benefits for our body. And it is essential that we know what we eat.
¿Cuál es la función de los hidratos de carbono?
Carbohydrates are mainly based energy intake. According to experts from the Heart Foundation, "Glucose is the only energy source for the brain, which consumes about 100 grams per day". The so called carbohydrates serve as energy reserves in the form of glycogen, which quickly mobilized to generate glucose when needed.

But it does not end here. They also have a protein-sparing effect, and work to prevent the formation of ketone bodies. These bodies are nothing but debris that occur when the body uses fat instead of sugar for energy. Furthermore, part of the connective tissue and nervous and important molecules such as DNA or ATP.

Contrary to what one might think, fruits and vegetables are foods with fewer carbohydrates. Instead, cereals, sugars, tubers and pulses having a high presumed saccharide content. Experts advise consume an amount of 200-300 grams per day, but how can you measure this? The Foundation ensures that if consumed daily for three to five servings of food hidrocarbonatos, best expectations are achieved.

What is clear is that they should provide 50-55 percent of total calories in the diet, otherwise, there would be failing in our right regulatory balance of power.

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