Why Carbohydrates is an important Macronutrient

Carbohydrates’ primary role in human physiology is energy provision, constituting the body’s preferred fuel source for energy. For physically active people adequate carbohydrate intake helps maintain the body’s limited glycogen (stored form of glucose in the muscles and liver) stores. However, consuming more is not necessarily better, if the carb intake exceeds the cell’s capacity to store glycogen the excess will be converted to fat for energy storage. Adequate carbohydrates help preserve protein tissue and allow it to focus on tissue repair, maintenance, repair and growth. Diet restriction, prolonged exercise and repeated intense training sessions reduce glycogen stores. If there is not enough glycogen available through carbohydrates, the body synthesizes glucose from protein and fat. (This process is called gluconeogenesis). Breaking down of muscle. Carbohydrates can be categorized into starches, fibrous and fruit. Starches are dense, complex and provide fiber. Some examples are –

• Rice
• Pasta
• Bread
• Oatmeal
• Wheat-based products
• White & Sweet Potato

Fibrous carbohydrates are vegetable sources, rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber as well as naturally occurring phytonutrients. Some examples are –

• Broccoli
• Beans
• Asparagus
• Cauliflower
• Peas
• Carrots

Fruit contains a naturally occurring sugar (fructose) as well as fiber and a vast array of vitamins and minerals. Some examples are –

• Apples
• Kiwi Fruit
• Oranges
• Bananas
• Berries
• Pineapple

Understanding how many carbohydrates you need to consume on a daily basis to reach your goals can be found on the Evolt Active App. A suggested daily amount can be calculated based on your individual body composition metrics, goals, exercise activity and exercise type. As always, we suggest seeking your own healthcare advice from a qualified professional before engaging in any exercise or nutrition program. To learn more about your body and for personalized macronutrient and supplement recommendations Download the Evolt Active app and search for your nearest Evolt 360 Body Composition Scan location.