We have all heard of the low carb diet rage. But, what exactly are carbohydrates and what do they do for your body?
In essence, carbohydrates are our body's energy source. They are found
in many foods including breads, pastas, cakes, grains, fruits,
vegetables, and dairy products.
The chemical composition of carbs is made of carbon, hydrogen, and
oxygen. They include one or more simple sugars in their make-up.
The types of sugars in carbohydrates are:
~ Monosaccharides are single molecule sugars: galactose (milk mainly), glucose (blood sugar), and fructose (fruit sugar)
~ Disaccharides: 2 monosaccharides linked together as in sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose (malt sugar)
~ Polysaccharides are what we know as complex carbohydrates. These are a variety of simple sugars linked with each other.
Your body thrives on complex carbohydrates. These wonderful
macro-nutrients are absorbed slowly and provide a more constant energy
flow. They have a lower effect on blood sugar than other carbs, are
more nutritious so are a vital part of a healthy diet.
In order to provide your body with the complex carbohydrates it needs
to give you energy, there are a few key points to remember:
~ Choose organic foods as much as possible
~ Whole grains, not refined. This strips essential nutrients.
~ Leave the nutritious skin on your fruits and vegetables
~ Avoid refined, simple sugars such as cakes, cookies, etc
~ That goes for refined complex carbs as well, such as white breads, flours, and chips
Your body needs complex carbohydrates. It receives vitamins, minerals,
as well as fiber from the correct intake. If you want to live
healthier, run out and get yourself some fresh fruits, vegetables,
legumes, and whole grains, and start giving your body what it is
begging for!
