There is a ton of fake news out there about carbs, so what exactly are they?
Carbs serve as your main source of energy, fueling both your brain and muscles, notes nutritionistRiya Lakhani-Kanji.
Simple vs. Complex Carbs
Its their makeup that muddies the waters.
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Are carbs unhealthy?
Ah, the million-dollar question: Are carbs unhealthy?
The answer is nuanced.
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As a food group, carbs are not unhealthy, per Lakhani-Kanji.
They are actually essential for a balanced diet, she says.
But what is key is howrapidlythat happens and whether that carb-rich food has other nutritional benefits.
Take a banana, for example.
But it is also a complex carb that is rich in heart-healthy potassium andfiberfor digestive health.
Protein is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nailsplus boosting energy and muscle mass.
But they also wont ever nourish your body in the same way that a complex carb can.
Its an important distinction to make, according to Lenherr, as not all carbs are empty calories.
Basically, the good stuff that helps your body to thrive.
Plus, gram for gram, starchy complex carbs contain fewer than half the calories of fat.
They provide a more sustained release of energy.
Crucially, starchy complex carbs are also high in fiber.
Expert-approved picks for different types of stomach issues.
How many carbs should we be eating each day?
As for the amount of carbs we should be eating every day, its definitely not zero.
Jacob Wackerhausen
I never wouldve thought.
Here are some of the most common side effects of slashing or eliminating carbs from your diet.
So it follows that curbing your intake could leave you feeling sluggish.
Much of this has to do with how carbs are converted in the body.
Insulin helps cells take up glucose for energy or stores it as glycogen in the liver and muscles.
Another important benefit of carbs is that they help your body to preserve protein, says Lakhani-Kanji.
This is crucial if youre aiming for muscle growth or trying to stay fit.
Its actually so easy to load up on this essential macronutrient.
Youve got brain fog
Carbs also fuel your brain.
When you reduce your carbohydrate intake, you often decrease your fiber consumption.
This backing up in the digestive system can result in gas and bloating.
Another culprit may be low-carb or low-sugar alternatives.
Your weight is yo-yoing
Yes, you might lose weight when you slash your carb intake.
This loss reverses once carbs are reintroduced into the diet, adds Lenherr.
Low-carb diets also affect hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin.
This is because your body enters a state called ketosis.
It is suggested that this is partly down to low blood sugar and partly down to potential dehydration.
You could also enjoy sweet potato wedges seasoned with herbs alongside a steaming bowl of lentil soup.
This article was originally published byGlamourUK.
I feel so full, energetic, and clear-minded.
