Carbs to Glucose

The body turns healthy carbs into glucose, which provides fuel for all body tissues. Without glucose, your blood oxygen levels suffer, your energy levels fall, and your risk of brain fog can increase. Eating too many carbs can lead to obesity. Not getting enough can result in malnutrition or in an excessive intake of fats to make up the calories. In Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, 7th Ed, the USDA recommends that 45-65% of your daily calories are best derived from carbs. That’s because carbohydrates:

• Are the body’s main source of fuel, can be used easily for energy by all tissues and cells, and can be stored in the muscles and liver for later use.
• Are needed for the brain, central nervous system, kidneys, and muscles (including those of the heart) to function properly.
• Important for gastrointestinal health and the timely and appropriate elimination of waste.
• ·Supply energy (glucose), especially for the brain, central nervous system, and muscles
• Prevent the breakdown of proteins (amino acids) as a source of energy and minimize ketosis from breakdown of fatty acids
• Assist with cellular and protein recognition and provide soluble and insoluble dietary fiber