Comments on: What are Carbohydrates?

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:56:07 +0000

Timothy – Thanks for your comments. Always great to receive positive feedback.

Scott – Your body doesn’t want too much glucose in the blood as this can cause long term damage to your organs, veins, arteries and nerves. However, it still needs some glucose in the bood so that your cells can use it for energy.

When your blood sugar levels become too low your body releases glucagon to convert stored glycogen into glucose. This glucose is then released into the bloodstream and used for energy by the cells that need it. Hope this makes it a little clearer.

By: Scott N

Scott N — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:38:30 +0000

Hey Tom quick question Insulin stores glucose in the muscles as glycogen, then starts releasing glucagon to change glycogen to glucose. Okay now with the glucose in your bloodstream, where does it go now? From what Ive read your body doesn’t want glucose in the blood stream as it sees it as a sort of toxic sludge. It has to go somewhere after that, but where?

Thanks in advance.

By: Boston Gym

Boston Gym — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:07:42 +0000

A great informational post for anyone looking for simple definitions and a better understanding of carbs…great job!

Timothy

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:04:56 +0000

Thanks for the comments Stu. Glad you liked the article. Although I am not completely against carbohydrates as some other fitness blogs seem to be, I have considerably reduced my intake of carbs since reading more and more about healthy eating. My opinion on carbohydrates at the moment is that most people do eat too many carbs and very often eat poor quality carbs. Therefore, most people could do with reducing their carbohydrate intake and making more sensible carbohydrate choices. However, I still haven’t decided what I think the optimal level of carbohydrates is in my diet.

I think in the end people are always going to have different opinions on carbohydrates, just as they do with protein and fat. My goals is to try and present all the facts and information through these blog posts and then come to a conclusion based on these.

By: Stu

Stu — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:01:55 +0000

Tom

I just read your article after seeing it linked from GohealthGoFit.com

I was a little aprehensive when I saw you start with the old simple/complex descriptions. That would have a piece of white bread preferred over an apple simply because it contains complex carbs. It’s with great relief that I see you’ve correct that view.

I have to admit that I’m predisposed to a paleo approach to carbs. In any case I look forward to your future expolorations on carbs.