Steven is a college athlete. He is 21 years old and is studying to become a physical education teacher. He reads many research articles on ways to enhance athletic performance. Steven would like to look at his carbohydrate consumption to see if making changes will allow him to have a more competitive edge. Steven has decided to write down his daily food intake using a journal to address the different types of carbohydrates he is consuming. He also wants to make sure that he is getting enough carbohydrates in his diet. Steven has been consuming a very low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet for months but has been noticing some issues with concentration and feels that he is fatiguing sooner than he should when competing. As he reads about carbohydrates, Steven is surprised to learn what? O Red blood cells need both carbohydrates and fats to function. O Fiber is absorbed into our blood stream. O The brain and nerve tissues prefer carbohydrates as fuel. O Even refined carbohydrates provide a rich nutrient source of energy. O Gram for gram, carbohydrates are higher in calories than dietary fats.

Carbohydrates are the fuel by preference for the brain and the nerve tissues. They do not leave toxic components that can affect the cells once that they are used and they are easy and fast to process. In addition to this, the brain-blood barrier that protects the central nervous system is highly selective and will only allow the passage of some carbohydrates, lipids and some proteins to the central nervous system.