A carbohydrate is an organic entity that contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, which together form sugar molecules. There are three main types of carbohydrates – sugars, starches and fiber.
The carbohydrates are the main energy source for our bodies.
What makes carbohydrates good or bad?
BAD CARBS
Refined and processed carbohydrates are considered BAD, as they are absorbed quickly by the human digestive system, and cause blood sugar level spikes, which in turn forces your body to store the excess sugar as fat.
Refined sugar- what 60g of carbs in a blueberry muffin do to you?
1. Insulin levels in your blood sugar SPIKE.
2. Carbs are turned into fat cells.
3. The body stores the fat cells, you get fatter.
BAD CARBS include: white bread, rice, potatoes, corn, soft drinks, pasta, cereals, refined sugar…
GOOD CARBS
Carbohydrates full of fiber are considered GOOD, as they are absorbed gradually into the human body, without causing spikes in blood sugar levels.
100g of blueberries have 14g of carbs.
1. Insulin in your blood levels are LOW.
2. Carbs are NOT converted into fat cells. Body burns the carbs.
3. The body doesn’t burn the fat cells. You LOSE weight.
GOOD CARBS include: Dairy, Legumes, Lentils, Green Vegetables, Beans, Berries, Lemons…
What is Glycemic Index
Glycemic Index (GI) of a food indicates how much does eating this food affect the glucose levels in your blood. Eating carbohydrates with low glycemic index, increases insulin and blood sugar gradually, which is good. Foods with high GI cause surge in sugar blood levels and insulin which in turn causes the excessive glucose to be stored as fat.
Choosing between good carbs & bad carbs can really make a difference. Which would you choose?
For more information and to check out a picture graph, follow the link & scroll down the page. /science-nutrition/
(Sources: HarvardSchool of Public Health: The Nutrition Source & Inforgraphic design by Low Carb Foods)
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only. Granola Gourmet does not treat, cure or prevent diabetes or any disease, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.