Carbohydrates : superfuels

Glucose drives our muscles. It is the fuel that enables muscles to function, whether they are in the calves of a marathon runner or in your index finger as you click your mouse. To sustain intense effort of medium duration, fatty acids are added to the “menu” designed to feed the muscles. In order to build up the energy for such tasks and to avoid breaking down halfway, our bodies maintain energy reserves in the form of glycogen, which is stored in the liver, kidneys and muscles.

For athletes, as for all of use, a meal rich in carbohydrates with a low glycaemic index will increase glycogen reserves.

During exercise, it is best to take food and drink with a high carbohydrate content and a moderate to high glycaemic index. And carbohydrates consumed afterwards will replenish energy stocks.