Chemical energy

All living organisms need energy to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to their environments; metabolism is the set of the processes that makes energy available for cellular processes. Living organisms must take in energy via food, nutrients, or sunlight in order to carry out cellular processes.

The first and probably most important need for all living things is sunlight. Why so important? Well, sunlight provides a source of energy and heats the earth to a hospitable temperature. It also provides a food source for plants, which, in turn, feed many other living organisms.

Lesson Summary. In summary, all living organisms require energy for both survival and reproduction. Energy is the ability to do work, where work is done when a force moves an object. While the sun provides energy for our entire planet, the sun’s energy must be transformed into more usable forms for living organisms.

The continual input of energy, mostly from sunlight, sustains the process of life. Sunlight allows plants, algae and cyanobacteria to use photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds like carbohydrates. This process is the fundamental source of organic material in the biosphere.

Fat

transform extra carbohydrates into stored energy in the form of glycogen. Several hundred grams can be stored in your liver and muscles.

What are carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are found in a wide array of both healthy and unhealthy foods—bread, beans, milk, popcorn, potatoes, cookies, spaghetti, soft drinks, corn, and cherry pie. They also come in a variety of forms. The most common and abundant forms are sugars, fibers, and starches.

An athlete consuming a high carbohydrate diet and following a solid nutrition protocol can increase these total carbohydrate reserves up to 880g. After about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise these fuels will become depleted; therefore the need to refuel for longer training.

When you eat carbs, your body breaks them down into simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. As the sugar level rises in your body, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin is needed to move sugar from the blood into the cells, where the sugar can be used as a source of energy.

Why do you need carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy: They help fuel your brain, kidneys, heart muscles, and central nervous system. For instance, fiber is a carbohydrate that aids in digestion, helps you feel full, and keeps blood cholesterol levels in check.

But the following foods are a better source of carbs.

• Vegetables. All of them.
• Whole fruits. Apples, bananas, strawberries, etc.
• Legumes. Lentils, kidney beans, peas, etc.
• Nuts. Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, etc.
• Seeds. Chia seeds and pumpkin seeds.
• Whole grains.
• Tubers.

Here is a list of 12 high-carb foods that also happen to be incredibly healthy.

• Quinoa. Quinoa is a nutritious seed that has become incredibly popular in the natural health community.
• Oats. Oats may be the healthiest whole grain food on the planet.
• Buckwheat.
• Bananas.
• Sweet Potatoes.
• Beetroots.
• Oranges.
• Blueberries.

Rice is a classic side dish and comfort food and has a place in a healthy diet, but it’s definitely high in carbs. A single cup of cooked rice has 37 grams of carbohydrates, according to the USDA. Here are some low-carb alternatives to rice that are healthy, delicious, and won’t leave your stomach growling.

When we look at the calorie content of both, rice is quite significantly lower at 117 calories per 100g Vs pasta’s 160 calories. If weight-loss is your aim from a calorie-controlled diet, choosing rice over pasta may be the most beneficial for you.

White rice is a refined, high-carb food that’s had most of its fiber removed. A high intake of refined carbs has been linked to obesity and chronic disease….Brown Versus White Rice.

For weight loss and muscle gain Since milk is rich in protein, it may aid weight loss and muscle building. Protein-rich foods like milk can boost weight loss by improving metabolism and increasing fullness after meals, which may lead to lower daily calorie intake ( 5 , 6 ).

Here are 12 things that make you gain belly fat.

• Sugary Foods and Beverages. Many people take in more sugar every day than they realize.
• Alcohol. Alcohol can have both healthful and harmful effects.
• Trans Fats.
• Inactivity.
• Low-Protein Diets.
• Menopause.
• The Wrong Gut Bacteria.
• Fruit Juice.

Here’s a list of 10 foods that are highly fattening.

• Soda. Sugary soda may just be the most fattening thing you can put into your body.
• Sugar-sweetened coffee. Coffee can be a very healthy beverage.
• Ice cream.
• Takeaway pizza.
• Cookies and doughnuts.
• French fries and potato chips.
• Peanut butter.
• Milk chocolate.