CARBOHYDRATES (CHO)
- CHOs are the main source of energy for the human body.
- 45-60% of our dietary intake should come from them.
- Their main sources are cereals (flour, bread, pasta, rice), pulses and starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, peas) (10,11).
- IMPORTANT FACTOR -> The rate at which CHO are converted to GLU.
- If this rate is high, i.e. if a large amount of GLU (i.e. sugar) enters our bloodstream suddenly, then the excess will be stored in the form of fat to be used later when needed (10).
How can I control this rhythm?
- Learning about the GLYCEMIC index (GI) i.e. the rate at which CHO is metabolized into GLU.
- High-GI CHOs are easily metabolized-digested, rapidly raising blood glucose (GLU), whereas low-GI CHOs delay digestion, resulting in a gradual increase in blood GLU (10,9).
The difference in digestion rate lies in the fibre or protein and lipid content of complex CHO
CHO (CHO)- Why should we eat every 3 hours?
In addition to the combinations that take place each time, the speed at which glucose is digested and transported through the blood to the rest of the body depends on the interval between meals.
So, eating a meal every 3 hours is preferred
