Sports nutrition -cyclists Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sports nutrition -cyclists - Essay Example During an athlete’s activity, the body uses stored carbohydrates which raise epinephrine and norepinephrine level which causes glucagon to increase. Increase in glucagon converts glycogen into glucose which is supplied to the blood stream for use in the activity. Carbohydrates are stored in the form of simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and galactose) in the body which makes it easier for absorption. A gram of carbohydrates is equal to four calories of energy, and an athlete can store up to 1200 grammes of glycogen (4800 calories) for an activity (Seebohar, 2004). The amount of time an athlete can rely on stored carbohydrates will vary with various factors such as the weather and the intensity of the activity. Protein anabolism refers to development of complex protein molecules from simpler ones. It occurs after hard work or after the body does vigorous activities to build or repair body tissues and also to restore broken down tissues. Anabolism sees to it that amino acids, which form proteins, are broken down to form final protein. Proteins help in enzyme and hormone formation and production which help in body functions and reactions, this plays a key role in the body such as protection against diseases, and also can be used to produce energy if insufficient carbohydrates and fats are available. Catabolism of proteins is the process of breaking down proteins and its components to simpler ones. During exercise, protein catabolism is an inevitable process in the body, and this is as a result of strain of muscles, tissues and organs. The body is in turn expected to repair the damaged areas in the body so as to reduce breakdown. Protein catabolism occurs during strain, hard work and may also occur during damages or injuries to the body. Fat as another nutrient required by the body can also be used as fuel by the body, and this varies with the activities in the body. Although fats produce low