The Truth About Carbs! Part 1

There is a lot of talk about carbohydrates being bad for you. Carbohydrates happen to be one of the main fuel sources for the body, and provides most of the energy needed for the brain. BUT there is such a thing as too much and the wrong type of carbs that can lead to diabetes and weight gain. This post will provide information on the effects of carbohydrates in the body, and how much should be consumed daily.

What Carbs Do in the Body When Consumed?

When carbohydrates are digested it break down into glucose which is a sugar. Some is used immediately to produce energy in the body, and what isn’t needed is converted and stored as glycogen for later use. When glycogen stores are full the excess glucose is converted to fat instead of glycogen. This leads to weight gain.

What are Good and Bad Carbs?
Good (natural) carbs are your whole foods and whole grains with no or little processing. For example, fruit and vegetables, brown rice, wholemeal bread etc.

Carbs that are bad for your body are your processed carbs such as white flour, white bread, white rice, pasta, etc.

How Do Natural and Processed Carbs Affect the body?
When refined carbohydrates are consumed they break down quicker than natural carbs, which gives a quick spike of glucose into the circulating blood. This raises the blood sugar level dramatically which stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin in an attempt to reduce the high blood sugar level. This results in the blood sugar level decreasing dramatically which makes us feel tired, hungry, and craving more carbs. Eating a lot of refined carbs can wear out the pancreas until it no longer produces insulin, causing type 2 diabetes.
Natural carbs break down slower, releasing glucose into the circulating blood at regular intervals over time. Therefore we have energy for longer and don’t feel as hungry as soon.

Recommended Intake of Carbohydrates

About 45% of the daily intake of food should be natural carbs. The Australian diet is high in refined carbs which is a major cause of the rising obesity and diabetes rates.

Did you know?

-        Most low fat products have most the fat removed, but replaced with sugar which can turn to fat in the body.

-        Most breakfast cereals are refined carbs, such as Special K, or Corn Flakes. Including your ready rolled oats that take a few minutes to cook. Unrefined oats take a lot longer to cook.

-        Frozen meals such as healthy choice, may not always be the healthiest choice. They may be low in carbs, but they are usually refined carbs.