Why do endurance athletes practice "carbohydrate loading," meaning to eat massive amounts of starch in the days leading up to a long race?
A)Starch is used as a building block for the synthesis of many other molecules.
B)Starch provides dietary fiber or "roughage" that aids digestion.
C)Carbohydrates are reduced molecules that can provide the chemical energy required during exercise.
D)Starch can be used to synthesize cellulose and build up the cell walls of muscles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used as a primary source of energy during exercise. By consuming a high-carbohydrate diet leading up to a race, athletes can increase their muscle glycogen stores and improve their endurance performance. This process is known as carbohydrate loading. Starch is a complex carbohydrate that is broken down into glucose during digestion, making it an ideal source of energy for endurance athletes.

Why Do Endurance Athletes Practice "Carbohydrate Loading," Meaning to Eat