Carbohydrates can be simple or complex. They can be in the form of sugar, starch, or fiber. And their fibers can be soluble or insoluble.
From Associated Press
Barbara Intermill
Are Carbohydrates Good Or Bad? This is a trick question. That’s because there are many types of carbohydrates, and they all have different effects on our health.
So what is a carbohydrate? When it comes to this question, many customers think of “bread”. You are often surprised to find that fruits and milk also contain natural carbohydrates. Vegetables are also a source of carbohydrates, both in the form of natural starches and fiber.
Carbohydrates can be simple or complex. They can be in the form of sugar, starch, or fiber. And their fibers can be soluble or insoluble.
I was then drawn to a report by medical experts on the subject that appeared recently in the journal Atherosclerosis. Aside from the fact that carbohydrates are the cleanest and most efficient fuel for our brains, muscles, and nerves, here are some other truths about this group of foods.
- Carbohydrates like whole grains and fiber are good for keeping blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight in a healthy range.
- More refined carbohydrates like sugar and low-fiber snacks have the opposite effect on our health from overeating. We must therefore eat smaller amounts of sugar cookies and candy canes. Darn it.
- Healthier carbohydrates provide fiber – a type of carbohydrate the body won’t digest (so no calories!) And other benefits. Foods that contain fiber include whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. Consumption of high fiber foods consistently shows fewer cases of heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer, to name a few.
