What role do carbohydrates play in athletic performance?

Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source for athletes and are crucial for optimal performance during exercise. When you engage in physical activities, especially those that are high in intensity or endurance-based, your body relies on carbohydrates to fuel its energy systems.

Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is then utilized by the muscles and the brain for energy. This is particularly important during prolonged exercise, where glycogen stores (the stored form of glucose in the muscles and liver) are tapped into to sustain performance levels. Consuming the appropriate amount of carbohydrates before, during, and after exercise can help maintain energy levels, enhance endurance, and facilitate recovery.

Other options, while related to overall health and fitness, do not directly associate carbohydrates with their primary function in athletic performance. The role of repairing muscle tissue is more closely linked to proteins, while bone density is largely influenced by minerals and vitamins. Flexibility improvements usually come from stretching and not from carbohydrate intake. Thus, the primary role carbohydrates play is indeed as a major energy source for athletes.