Fat Burning Foods?
TLN - Moderator
Answer: While several foods are reported to contain nutrients and
other substances improving the body's ability to burn fat for energy,
the proportion of carbohydrates, protein and dietary fat in a meal
plays a more significant role in this process.
For example, high carbohydrate intake can interfere with the
utilization of body fat for energy. Why? Because when blood sugar
levels are high, more insulin is secreted which causes a decline in
the use of body fat for energy.
Insulin is a powerful hormone that regulates the metabolism of
protein, fats and especially carbohydrates. When a high carbohydrate
meal is eaten, the body rapidly secretes insulin. Insulin transports
digested carbohydrate (glucose) to nearly every tissue in the body for
energy. Excess carbohydrates are either stored as glycogen (stored
glucose) or converted to body fat. While the ability of the body to
store glucose in the liver and muscle tissue is limited, the storage
of body fat is not.
Furthermore, insulin can inhibit the utilization of body fat in a
couple of different ways. When insulin is present, the body secretes
less glucagon, a hormone which enables it to use stored fat for muscle
energy. Insulin also inhibits the action of hormone-sensitive lipase,
an important enzyme that breaks down body fat into an energy-ready
form.
Does this mean we should stop eating carbohydrates? Absolutely not.
Carbohydrates are an important part of the daily diet. They supply
energy to the muscles, brain and nervous system. However, our own
body fat can provide many times more energy than stored
carbohydrates. In fact, with exception of during exercise and after
eating a meal, fat is the primary source of muscular energy. This is
the very reason why we need to balance our intake of quality
carbohydrates, protein and dietary fat.
Download TLNPt.1NutritionShortCourse_5_7.pdf from TLN Group Files for
info on tips for eating more balanced meals and snacks.
Phil