Everything to Know About Carbs
Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients from which the body derives energy and nutrition (protein and fat, being the other two).
Carbohydrates are composed of various types of sugars (saccharides), including:
• Monosaccharides: Glucose, fructose, and galactose
• Disaccharides: Sucrose and lactose
• Polysaccharides: Cellulose and starch
There are three main types of carbohydrates:
1. Sugar
Sugars are the most basic carbohydrates, hence their name as “simple” carbs.
While sugar has a negative connotation, the truth is that simple sugars are naturally occurring in many healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy (milk, yogurt, etc.).
Where sugar goes “bad” is when added to processed foods. Research has shown a pretty clear link that consuming too much added sugar could lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, obesity.
2. Starch
Graduating from simple sugars brings us to starches, which are considered complex carbohydrates. Starches are formed by linking together multiple sugar units.
They are found naturally in grains, legumes, and vegetables, including potatoes, lentils, quinoa, pasta, and bread.
3. Fiber
Fiber is the non-digestible carbohydrate component found in plant foods. While fiber may not be digested and utilized by the body, it does serve several important roles.
While Carbs often get a bad reputation, Carbs are not the enemy. As a primary macro nutrient, our bodies need carbs as fuel and more often than not, while you may lose weight in the short term but cutting out carbs from your diet, in the long run, your body needs carbs to function as your body’s primary energy source. Stick to whole, nutrient dense carbs like fruits, vegetables and whole grains and see how your body, performance and energy levels improve!
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