Which of the following is a key macronutrient involved in muscle recovery post-exercise?

Carbohydrates play a crucial role in muscle recovery following exercise. When you engage in physical activity, your body depletes its glycogen stores, which are primarily made up of carbohydrates. Refueling with carbohydrates post-exercise helps restore these glycogen levels. This replenishment is vital for recovery, as it provides the necessary energy for subsequent workouts and reduces feelings of fatigue.

Additionally, carbohydrates can trigger insulin release, which aids in the uptake of amino acids into the muscle cells, further enhancing recovery and muscle repair. While fats, fiber, and sugars also have roles in nutrition, they do not offer the same immediate benefit for muscle glycogen replenishment and recovery as carbohydrates do. Thus, carbohydrates are the key macronutrient that directly supports the muscle recovery process after exercise.