What are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are the energy storehouses that provide energy to the body. They are the sugars, starches, and dietary fiber that occur in plant foods and dairy products. Carbohydrates are mainly found in plant foods. The energy blocks are also present in dairy products in the form of milk sugar called lactose. Foods high in carbohydrates include bread, pasta, beans, potatoes, rice, and cereals.
Moreover, carbohydrates are like fuel that pushes every physiological move. As our digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar), which feeds energy to our cells, tissues, and organs. Our body can store the excess of carbohydrate in our muscles and live and that can use them later on. An inadequate intake of carbohydrates can lead to tiredness, headache, lethargic, and unable to push through a workout.
How Carbohydrates are processed?
Carbohydrates provide energy through a digestive process that breaks down sugars and starches to create simple sugars. The simple sugars are then absorbed into our bloodstream and become glucose or blood sugar. The pancreas releases insulin in response to blood sugar and working together enables glucose to enter our cells. Glucose fuels all our physical activities from sitting to watch a movie, breathing, or engaging in a workout. Additional energy or glucose is stored in our muscles and liver for later use or is converted to fat.
Health Benefits of Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates have been shown to protect the body against certain diseases and cancer. Complex carbohydrates like oatmeal are rich in fiber and when consumed regularly indicated to reduce the risk of hypertension and heart problems. Additional health benefits include reduced incidence of obesity, protection against Type-2 diabetes, and an optimal digestive system. Carbohydrates are also shown to promote weight loss and the ability to maintain the goal weight.
Studies indicate carbohydrates including leafy greens, vegetables, and whole grains help us reduce body fat, gain muscle, and improve athletic performance.
Types of Carbohydrates
The two main types of carbohydrates are simple and complex.
Simple Carbohydrate
Simple carbs include sugars naturally occurring in foods like fruits, vegetables, and milk. Whereas carbohydrates are artificially produced and added to different food items. The artificially processed carbohydrates have fewer nutrients than foods with naturally occurring sugars. Simple carbohydrates enter the bloodstream quickly and provide rapid energy for body functions. Raisins and bananas provide immediate carbohydrates. Other simple carbs are known for their superior antioxidants and high nutrient value include Pomegranate, Mangoes, 100% fruit juice, Milk, Yogurt, and Raw natural honey.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates include fiber and starch and take longer to digest before the body can use glucose as an energy source. Samples of healthy complex carbs include whole grain bread, quinoa, sweet potatoes, beans, most vegetables, and oats.
Complex carbohydrates make up the largest percentage of our nutrition than simple ones. The following complex carbohydrates are an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals: Leafy greens and vegetables, Beans, Whole grains, Oats, Brown rice, Legumes, Raw nuts and seeds, fruits (apples and berries).
Nutrition is a really important aspect of physical and mental growth. Nutrients provide health insurance. So, it is necessary to have a balanced diet because the physical and mental growth of individuals can grow the country. The governmental authorities need to ensure the availability not just of food but a balanced diet.