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Carbohydrates are energy-providing nutrients.
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The human body receives 4 calories per 1 gram of carbohydrates consumed. Carbohydrates are separated into sugar, fiber and starch. Carbohydrates are also separated into groups based on the how high and how quickly blood glucose levels change after eating them. Side-note: The higher the Glycemic Index, the higher the rise in blood sugar and the longer it takes to return to normal.
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For a healthy diet, it is best to focus on foods with a low Glycemic Index (e.g., whole grains, oats, and whole wheat pasta). Foods with a high Glycemic Index have been linked to elevated risks of heart disease and diabetes.
Well here’s thing, contrary to popular belief, we need carbs! Not just for energy… but also because our brains function off of carbohydrates.
“When we are carb-deprived, our body starts to burn fat to use for energy — the whole basis for the anti-carb Atkins diet — but our brain doesn’t run on fat. It requires some type of glucose or sugar to function.”
Cut out carbs huh? You cant, you need them! Well, unless your mantra is, vegetables all day every day! I am sure most of us are familiar with the main carb players: cereal, bread, and pasta, but also fruits, veggies, and even milk, candy, and sweets. The difference between whole foods and the packaged versions is “you get more of a nutritional bang with the whole versions”.
Example: A banana has about 1/2 gram of fiber and 60 calories, compared to a cup of berries has about 8 grams of fiber and only 65 calories. Essentially, both have the same amount of carbs per serving, meaning either is better than say, a loaf of bread, which offers noting in terms of vitamins, minerals, or fiber. bloodstream.” It’s this steady sugar drip (compared to a skyrocketing surge) that can make — or break — what you see on the scale. “It’s the quick spike, followed by a crash, that causes you to reach for more sugar for an instant energy boost,” says Shapiro.
Example B: Think about what happens when you down a pack of sour straws: “They give you fast energy because they are simple carbs”. Well Simple carbs are bad carbs. Simple carbs = higher insulin levels, which causes you to store and keep fat more easily.
The bottom line: I know we wish there was a blanket statement that could tell us whether carbs are here for good or bad, sadly enough it’s a bit more complicated than that. The perks of being a carbohydrate, cant live with them… cant live without them!