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Carbohydrate basics
Weighing up the differences!
We’ve all heard some of the “experts”
telling us to stay away from carbohydrates - Carbohydrates make us
fat, carbohydrates mess with our blood sugar too much they say. The simple
fact of the matter is that carbohydrates are a necessary part of any diet;
they provide us with the fuel our bodies need to get through the day. What
you need to do is to know what a carbohydrate is, and which types of
carbohydrates are better for you to eat than others. Then, you can make
wiser food choices when trying to lose weight.
Carbohydrates are found naturally in a variety of the foods we eat, and are
a major source of the calories, or energy, our bodies need to function. They
are in the sugars, starches, and fibers of the foods we eat every day. Other
than fiber, carbohydrates convert into glucose in the body in order to use
it for energy.
There are 2 types of carbohydrates, simple and complex.
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Simple
carbohydrates are the sugars that come from fruits and a few vegetables.
This group also includes the pure sugar that is added to certain foods and
beverages, and those include cookies, candies, and sodas.
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Complex carbohydrates are the starches and fiber that come from the plants that we eat. These include grains, pastas,
breads, corn, peas, beans, potatoes, etc.
It is usually preferable to choose complex carbohydrates, rather than simple
carbohydrates. But not all complex carbohydrates are created equal. Some
foods that are produced from white flour do not contain as much fiber or
nutrients as whole grains products. The whole grains are healthier because
they are more fiber and nutrient-rich, and they digest slower. This helps
keep blood sugar levels on a more even keel, as opposed to simple
carbohydrates and some complex carbohydrates that cause the blood sugar to
spike and then fall again.
Put simply, our bodies need carbohydrates. The so-called “good carbs” can
help prevent certain diseases and disorders like diabetes, heart disease,
and cancer; they can assist in weight control by helping you feel fuller
longer, and therefore curb snacking; they can help you to be more alert and
energetic throughout the day, and keep your mood elevated. Following a
diet
that is well balanced, and rich in natural foods with fiber and complex
carbohydrates is definitely the way to go.
For more detailed Carbohydrate
information.
For more information on controlling blood sugar levels to help lose weight
read our articles on Glycemic Index Dieting.
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