HIGH SIERRA adventures

Health

Carbs are good. Actually, carbs are essential. Carbohydrates are long chains of complex sugars (called polysaccharides) that your body breaks down into useable forms of quick and sustained energy. Simple sugars, like cane sugar and chocolate are monosaccharides and are quickly broken down. Polysaccharide carbohydrates, like pasta, bread and rice, are more complicated chains of sugars and are a form of "slow-drip", or sustained energy.

Your body needs a different form of fuel other than proteins and fats. Carbs provide quick and easy fuel for basal metabolic functions and they don't drain your entire system in the digestion process. Protein also has its role. They are the building blocks of all cells and tissue of the body. They are the direct product of what our genes encode. Proteins are the catalysts to many metabolic and systemic processes throughout your body. They help rebuild muscle. Fats, on the other hand, are essential as well. They are a slow-burning reserve fuel of the body and serve myriad other functions as well. The cushion the body from impact and insulate the blood vessels that carry your warm blood from colder outside temperatures. They also compose things such as hormones that regulate our metabolic functions and other systemic functions. Fats are critical. I guess the main point here is that every form of useable energy has a major role in the human body. But moderation is the key to health. Don't starve your body of carbs unless you normally eat excessive amounts. Don't avoid fats at all cost thinking that they'll go right to your hips. Balance the types of food you eat, and exercise regularly, and you will be in fine health. Period.

Stretching is under-rated. The act of stretching before and after strenuous physical activity loosens your muscles up so that can receive fresh supplies of water and nutrients and rid themselves of lactic acid waste.

Stretching helps your blood flow and in ways can help clear your mind. Yoga is an excellent way to emphasize stretching and harness its beneficial effects on a regular basis. Some people swear that these exercises (and stretching in general) will prolong your healthy life.

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