Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body's greatest energy source. They provide the body with glucose to use for energy, which can also be stored (as glycogen) for future use.
what are Carbohydrates?
To put it simply, carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Fat and Protein) that we need to provide energy and nutrients for the body. Carbohydrates are primarily used as a fuel source and are broken down by our digestive systems into glucose. This provides us with the energy our brains and bodies need to function and are the preferred source of energy. There are three main types of carbohydrates: starch, fibre and sugars. Different types of foods will contain different amounts and will therefore impact our bodies in very different ways.
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Carbohydrates are mainly found in plant foods. They also occur in dairy products in the form of a milk sugar called lactose. Foods high in carbohydrates include bread, pasta, beans, potatoes, rice, and cereals.
'Good' & 'bad' carbs
There is no such thing as inherently good or bad carbs. All foods have there place, and instead of worrying about whats foods you can or can't eat then it's better to think about finding the right balance for your own body.
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As a general rule, carbohydrates in their natural, fibre rich form are more nutritious than those that have been stripped of their contents (both fruits and vegetables are great sources of carbohydrates. Many people have turned to low carb diets, such as the keto diet, for their potential health benefits and weight loss. However, some types of carbohydrates – including whole grains and dietary fibre – have substantial health benefits.
Simple & complex carbohydrates
Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are sugars. They consist of just one or two molecules. They provide a rapid source of energy, but the person soon feels hungry again. Examples include white bread, sugars, and candies.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates consist of long chains of sugar molecules. This includes whole grains and foods that contain fibre. Examples include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grain pasta. Complex carbohydrates make a person feel full for longer and have more health benefits than simple carbohydrates, as they contain more vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
White
Bread!
Should I eat white bread?
There's a strong case for reducing refined carbs such as white bread and instead consume more complex carbohydrates like whole grains, which release energy slowly.
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In the UK white flour is fortified with iron, thiamine, and niacin which does give some health benefits.
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If you love white bread then don't give it up. To be healthy we need a balanced diet and that doesn't mean we need to only eat things which are healthy but that we hate.
Should I take Supplements?
The best method for ensuring you get the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals is to have a balanced varied diet, however many people feel the need to pop vitamin pills for multiple reasons, which can be a waste of money or at worse maybe even dangerous.
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It is after all possible for supplements to interact in ways that affect the body in negative ways. Generally water-soluble vitamins are far less likely to cause harm than fat-soluble as they are excreted in the urine, so have less of a chance of leading to a toxic build up.
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There are sometimes valid reasons for taking supplements for example Doctors and Dietitians will often prescribe supplements for medical issues and we urge you to take the advice of a medical professional when choosing supplements to try.
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For more information of supplements for Health & Fitness then check out out Supplements page by clicking the link below:
