You Still Need Some Carbs for Good Health
By Tom Herrin
With all of the information available today regarding health, it is easy to get involved in trying to eat healthier. As a result, there are a lot of trends. Some end up being really good, and some may leave us short of what we actually need to enjoy the best health possible. Just a few years ago, there seemed to be a lot of emphasis on low fat diets, and they can be very good for us. More recent diets seem to have focused on severely restricting carbs so that our bodies will burn fat for energy. If we understand how the body assimilates foods, and know our own bodies, we can make it work in our favor. No matter what, we need some kinds of carbs but also need to understand them.
The Simple Carbs
Those carbohydrates that are considered to be simple carbs are the ones that have a simpler chemical structure. They are more easily used by the body for energy. There are up and down sides of them. On the up side, they may provide more quick energy though there is some question as to whether it is a fact or an illusion. On the down side, they do not provide any lasting energy so they are not lasting. Some people rely on things such as sugary sodas to try to do this, but it is not going to be any kind of lasting energy source.
The Complex Carbs
Without a doubt, the best carbs for us are the complex carbs. They take longer to break down, but that means they can supply us with energy that will last for a few hours. When we were young and told to eat our vegetables, our parents were talking about complex carbs without calling them that. Green and yellow vegetables are probably at the top of that list. When we load up on these, they may be able to carry us without piling on excess calories.
Some Choose Juice
Another popular source of carbs are juices. They often have plenty of vitamins and minerals, but some of them have added sugars that we may need to avoid. Reading the labels can help, but if you think the juice may be a bit too much, try eating a piece of whole fruit instead. It will have the same benefits, and maybe more fiber, with less sugar.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Morrisville, N.C.