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Health Tips for May
Exercise
Energy
Several factors influence the amount of energy an athlete needs. These include the type, intensity and frequency of training as well as the size, age, sex and genetic make-up of the person. A middle-aged male marathon runner has different requirements to a young female gymnast. The main sources of energy for an athlete are carbohydrates and fats.
In an athletic event, carbohydrates are the initial fuel source. The energy for short burst of activity all comes from carbohydrates. For longer events the energy comes from both carbohydrates and fats, with the proportions depending on the intensity of the exercise, pre-event diet and the level of training of the athlete.
Fat
Fats are the body's other major energy source. They are twice as dense in calories as carbohydrates. However, fats cannot be used exclusively as an energy source and a small amount of carbohydrate must always be available. Aerobic training increases the ability of the body to use fat as an energy source. Fat is a Major source of fuel for exercising muscles but they only store a small amount. When this is used up, fat is taken from body stores.
Body fat stores are more than adequate to provide extra energy and its not necessary to get large amounts of fat in the diet. Most athletes eat moderately low fat diets. health authorities recommend keeping fat intake below 30 percent of total calories as this has been shown to be beneficial in protecting against various diseases.
Nicola Reavley, with a foreword by Stephen Holt, M.D.
The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals Supplements, & Herbs.
New York: M. Evans and Company Inc., 1998.
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