Here is information about carbohydrates function in the body. Read on to learn more about the importance of carbohydrates.
Functions Of Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates play a major role in promoting your health and ensure overall fitness. They form a major part of your food and help a great deal in building strength in the body by way of generating energy. In fact, they are among the three prominent macronutrients that serve as excellent energy providers, the other two being �fats� and �proteins�. Carbohydrate intake can take place in different forms such as, in the form of sugar, starch, fiber, etc. The functions of this macronutrient are multiple, owing to which, it becomes all the more necessary to incorporate meals rich in carbohydrates in your everyday routine. For instant energy generation, sugars and starch act as the perfect fuel that enable you to carry out physical activities effectively. Apart from the direct benefits, another added advantage of their consumption is that, they also pave way for easy consumption and digestion of other essential nutrients. Therefore, it is advisable to consume distinctive carbohydrate food sources. Read further to explore the major functions of carbohydrates in the body.
Carbohydrates Function In The Body
- Carbohydrates aid in regulating blood glucose and also help the body break down fatty acids, thus preventing ketosis. So, eat plenty of foods that are rich in carbohydrates. However, it is advisable to opt for only natural, slow digesting carb-rich foods.
- Carbohydrates also act as a source of 'bio-fuel' for the body. The glucose broken down by the carbohydrates is oxidized to produce water and carbon dioxide, and the energy released in this process, governs the functioning of the cells.
- Apart from ensuring the balance of blood glucose levels, carbohydrates are also a rich source of energy. They are like the dynamos of all diets and provide the right amount of energy when consumed in the right amounts.
- Carbohydrates are great anti-coagulants. They prevent the body from a serious form of clotting disorder called ‘intravascular clotting’. The glycoprotein and the sugars released in the breakdown of carbohydrates ensure the smooth flow of anti-coagulation.
- The glycoprotein and the sugars that are broken down from carbohydrates, make the body immune to severe diseases and ailments. The presence of ‘oligosaccharide properties’ in the glycoprotein, aids this process, thus, making carbohydrates antigens.
- An increase in the intake of carbohydrates can also ensure fertility in women. Carbohydrates control and regulate important hormones, such as FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), which are vital for the reproductive system in women.
- Carbohydrates ensure proper ovulation and a healthy uterine system, increasing the chances of conceiving and healthy pregnancy in women.
- Carbohydrates are also essential factors that contribute to the proper functioning of the gastro-intestinal area. The lactose released from the breakdown of carbohydrates ensures and promotes the growth of a particular type of bacteria in the intestine that helps the free flow of B-complex vitamins.
- Along with this, carbohydrates also increase the chances of absorbing calcium into the system. The calcium, teamed with fiber that comes from cellulose, makes the gastro-intestinal areas function smoothly, stimulating peristalsis and the secretion of important digestive enzymes.
- This energy source is also important in limiting the possibilities of contracting life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart-related problems and diabetes. This can be done if a regular supply of restricted carbohydrates is provided to the human system.
- Carbohydrates have an individual function of providing energy supply and ensuring the smooth functioning of the cells in the human body. Therefore, it lets the other essentials such as protein, vitamins and fat function smoothly.
- Carbohydrates make sure that a body does not overuse fat for energy and provide the right balance to release energy. This reduces and even prevents the effects of ketosis.
- Nearly 50% to 80% of energy in a regular diet comes from carbohydrates. Out of this, the required amount is consumed by the tissues and remaining is stored in the form of glycogen for future utilization.
- Glucose is needed in the body, especially, for the central nervous system, the lack of which may result in result in weakness, dizziness, and low blood glucose. Our brain derives most part of its energy from glucose which is essential for increasing body’s performance and to avoid mental as well as physical fatigue.
Carbohydrates are essential for every being�s bodily functions. However, they have been pitted and accused on various occasions for being associated to weight gain and unwanted glucose in the body. The negative effects of carbohydrates can be drastically minimized if the consumption is corrected. This macronutrient must be consumed in the right amounts every day, at the right time and with the right balance of all other nutrients necessary for a healthy body.
