subject: Getting To Know The Important Carbohydrates Needed By The Body [print this page] The enormous amount of fad diets has given carbohydrates a bad name. There are carbohydrates that are good for you however. Many people don't realize this and by eliminating carbs they are missing out on an important part of a healthy diet. Having a carbohydrate guide is a great way to keep track of what carbohydrates are good for you.
In order to maintain a healthy diet you must have a daily intake of carbohydrates. Every cell in your body depends on the metabolism of carbohydrates. Your cells depend on this for energy. By not taking any carbohydrates or even by not taking enough you can cause adverse results to you glucose levels, body and organ functions and even concentration.
The two main categories of carbohydrates are simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates, also called simple sugars, are metabolized by your body very quickly. This, as a result, can dramatically affect your mood and alter your blood sugar and energy levels.
The second main group of carbohydrates that are known as complex carbs or starches take much longer for your body to metabolize resulting a more regular and steady flow of energy to your body. This is much better for your body in the long run.
Simple sugars can be classified as both good and bad for the body. Bad carbs are processed or otherwise known as convenient foods. Foods that contain a lot of sugars will also fall into this category.
Candies, cookies, sweets, soft drinks, jams, boiled sweets etc. are examples of bad simple sugars. These are carbs that need to be avoided. Good simple sugars come in the form of all natural unprocessed fruits. With these you can eat as many as you want.
A bad complex carbohydrate simply does not exist. Complex carbs help you to lose weight by metabolizing much more slowly than simple sugars. This gives you a feeling of being full for a longer period of time and aids in assisting you to avoid those in between meal snacks.
The best sources for complex carbs are whole grains. Things that fall into this category are brans, barley, and cornmeal. Some other choices include wholegrain breads, any root vegetable such as potatoes, corn and peas.
Maintaining a good balanced healthy diet isn't that hard if you keep track of what you are eating and carbs are a necessity. Make a list of the ones that you like and incorporate them into you diet. You will feel great and be healthier for it.
