You may feel as though you have been cautioned off them, but carbohydrates are a very important part of your diet. Ever since the celebs have sworn off them, carbohydrates have endured a fine whipping. Whilst it is true that eliminating carbohydrates can result in weight loss, what is not mentioned are the consequences of this elimination. As carbohydrates are the primary fuel for the brain and muscles, a deficiency in the will cause a significant reduction in metabolic rate. This will in turn result in the muscles being broken down to be used as fuel. A lack of carbs has also been shown to affect the ability to be able to concentrate.
Carbs should never be avoided, it is important however to understand that not all carbs are equal and to understand the difference.
Carbohydrates or carbs can be classified into two groups, simple carbs and complex carbs.
Complex Carbohydrates
These foods contain longer sugar chained molecules and usually take more time for the body to break down and so does not increase you blood sugar levels quickly. This in turn will provide you with more long term energy. Complex carbs are also bursting with important nutrients as well as fibre.
These include legumes, wholegrains, fruit, vegetables.
Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbs are made of single (mopnosaccarides) and double-chained (disaccharide) sugars. They can be recognised by their ending of ‘-ose’ such as glucose, fructose, sucrose and lactose. Simple sugars are usually added to foods in order to give them flavour. These foods are very processed are are usually devoid of any nutrients.
Keep the following in mind when consuming carbohydrates:
- Avoid refined and processed foods altogether.
- Read labels to see if there is added sugar.
- Be very wary of fructose corn syrup which is very toxic to your health.
- Choose wholegrains, fruits, legumes, fruits, vegetables.
- Avoid low fat, which will undeniably contain added sugar.
