How the Body Reacts to Carbohydrates

When carbohydrates are consumed, the body breaks down those carbohydrates into glucose during digestion and then releases the glucose into the bloodstream. Body tissues, such as the brain, use glucose as an energy source. Carbohydrates provide the quickest source of energy for your body and, depending on the type of carbohydrate you have consumed, it may be a short lived source of energy.

If you have consumed more carbohydrates than your body needs, the glucose will be turned into glycogen and stored in your muscles and liver for use in the future. When the liver and muscle tissues exceed their capacity for storing glycogen, the excess is converted into fat.

Proponents of a low carb lifestyle maintain that if you reduce the intake of carbohydrates you will use the stored fat for energy rather than creating additional fat.