Kathleen Zundell: Fitness Tips
Carbohydrates Print E-mail


Protein is the key for direct muscle growth. Carbohydrates are an indirect key for gaining muscle mass. Carbohydrates provide the fuel for the workouts that build the muscle. They are also essential for providing enough substance to prevent the body from having to use muscle as fuel. There are three types of carbohydrates - complex, fibrous, and simple. As noted earlier, protein can be used to provide energy if there is a shortage of the other energy nutrients. If your body runs out of glycogen (the carbohydrate fuel in its basic form), in an anaerobic state, it will use protein and muscle tissue as a source of energy. This is exactly what you want to avoid if you are trying to pack on muscle mass. And you can avoid this condition if you take the right carbohydrates in the right fashion.

Complex carbohydrates ordinarily are the ideal energy source. They are slowly digested and absorbed and their calories are burned in a prolonged, even way, which provides a steady release of the critical anabolic hormone insulin. Fiber-rich carbs ensure good elimination, too. The amount of carbs needed each day varies widely depending upon biochemical individuality and on training intensity and duration.
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