All Carbs Are Not Created Equal
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All Carbs Are Not Created Equal
| Sat, 09-06-2008 - 11:30am |
All Carbs Are Not Created Equal
There IS such a thing as a good carb, and there's plenty of room for good carbs in any wholesome, balanced diet.
Good carbs contain important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are essential for good health. Our bodies are genetically designed to consume unrefined carbs such as vegetables and whole grains — these are often referred to as complex carbs because of their molecular structure. Good carbs also tend to take a long time to digest, which creates less of a need for immediate insulin release in the bloodstream, thus stabilizing your blood sugar level.
Carbs that are considered "bad" are the ones that get broken down in the body very quickly, triggering insulin release and promoting fat storage. Also known as simple carbs, these carbohydrates come in the form of refined sugars and processed grains. The reason they break down so quickly is that they have undergone chemical procedures during factory processing that are similar to the ones in our digestive system; in effect, they are partially digested when we eat them. Pretty gross, huh? They're found in packaged foods, such as white bread, pasta, crackers, and baked goods and other foods that are made with white flour and contain little or no fiber.
There IS such a thing as a good carb, and there's plenty of room for good carbs in any wholesome, balanced diet.
Good carbs contain important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are essential for good health. Our bodies are genetically designed to consume unrefined carbs such as vegetables and whole grains — these are often referred to as complex carbs because of their molecular structure. Good carbs also tend to take a long time to digest, which creates less of a need for immediate insulin release in the bloodstream, thus stabilizing your blood sugar level.
Carbs that are considered "bad" are the ones that get broken down in the body very quickly, triggering insulin release and promoting fat storage. Also known as simple carbs, these carbohydrates come in the form of refined sugars and processed grains. The reason they break down so quickly is that they have undergone chemical procedures during factory processing that are similar to the ones in our digestive system; in effect, they are partially digested when we eat them. Pretty gross, huh? They're found in packaged foods, such as white bread, pasta, crackers, and baked goods and other foods that are made with white flour and contain little or no fiber.
Despite the popular misconception, there's no need to worry about complex carbs causing you to gain weight. They won't. Weight gain is about calories, not carbs.


