Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates (literally hydrates of carbon) are chemical compounds that act as the primary biological means of storing or consuming energy, other forms being fat and protein. Relatively complex carbohydrates are known as polysaccharides. Carbohydrates are naturally produced by plants and animals. Sugars and starches are carbohydrates. A more precise definition of carbohydrates could be: Carbohydrates are polyhydroxyaldehydes, or polyhydroxyketones, and their derivatives.

Nutrition

Strictly speaking, carbohydrates are not necessary for human nutrition because proteins can be converted to carbohydrates—the traditional diet of some peoples consists of nearly zero percent carbohydrate, and they are perfectly healthy. However, carbohydrates require less water to digest than proteins or fats and are an important source of energy.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The (very) low carbohydrate diet is infamous for producing ?brain fog? because your brain and

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

central nervous system function almost exclusively on glucose.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some problems have been cited for the long term effects of a no-carbohydrate diet for some individuals. Athletes, for instance, or those that participate in high intensity activities, will have a considerable reduction in performance, due to having little to no glycogen supplies stored in muscle tissue. Additionally, nephrotoxicity may occur, particularly in persons that are not very well hydrated.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~