Introduction

Carbohydrates (CHO) are the chief source of energy for all body functions and muscular exertion and are necessary to assist in the digestion and assimilation of other foods and nutrients.
Carbohydrates are stored in the body as glycogen and are a valuable source of energy for any form of exercise. The amount of glycogen that your body can store will determine how long and how hard you can exercise for.

The total Carbohydrate store in the body is approximately 375-475 g of which up to 345g are stored in the muscles throughout your body. The amount that an individual can store is related to the amount of exercise that they take, the type of exercise and the age and gender of the individuals.
This supply of energy is referred to as muscle glycogen.
Approximately 90-110 g are stored in the liver as liver glycogen and the rest up to 20g are found in the blood circulating in your body as blood glucose. However blood glucose is the only source of energy that the brain uses and the majority of glucose released from liver glycogen stores is used for this purpose.

There are basically two types of Carbohydrates available Starches also referred to as 'Complex Carbohydrates' and Sugars also referred to as 'Simple Carbohydrates'.
Carbohydrates form the primary energy for:

• Forming new compounds
• Transmitting impulses (through the nerves)
• Exercise

Carbohydrates also serve as a metabolic primer for 'FAT' metabolism. Certain products from the breakdown of carbohydrates must be available to facilitate the metabolism of fat. Hence the expression fats burn in a carbohydrate flame. This is a point worth considering when you are deciding upon your pre-exercise snack.

Further Reading : -

Simple and complex carbohydrates....whats the difference?
Carbohydrates and exercise, why is it important ?
A more indepth look at carbohydrates.