Q: What is the importance of Carbohydrates
A: The primary role of carbohydrate (glycogen/glucose) is;
- To provide energy for the human body
Secondary role is to;
- spare protein from being used as energy, so it will always be available to build and repair muscle.
This secondary role is achieved because glycogen is the preferred fuel source for the brain and skeletal muscle. Therefore if we have a protein supplement such as a shake either before training or after training, and we mix it with a carbohydrate type mixture such as milk or a mixture with sucrose, simple carbs), it results in a quick rise in blood sugar levels, prompting the hormone insulin to be released. Insulin is the most anabolic hormone in the body and serves as a regulator. Its purpose is to maintain blood sugar levels by sending the sugars where they need to go. while sparing the whey protein supplement and leaving it to do the job of protein repair, synthesis.