The truth about carbs

What is the truth about carbs? I have to admit that I am a carb addict, I can never get enough of them, but I am sure my body could use a little break now and then as it doesn't help with the waist line. There are different types of carbohydrates and they are not all created equal. Some people say that carbs are bad and some say they are good, there are high carb diets and low carb diets. So what is the truth about carbs? Well let's take a look at the 2 major types:

- Simple Carbohydrates are considered to be "bad" carbs, otherwise know as simple sugars, these are found in white sugar, or candy. Simple carbohydrates are refined sugar which means that they have been broken down and put back together and most of the nutrients and fiber have been removed. But on the other hand simple sugars are also found in fruit and milk which would be your best choice when choosing to eat as these will give you the nutrients and fiber that your body needs.

- Complex Carbohydrates are known as starches and you would find these in foods that contain grains or wheat for instance breads, pasta and rice. Like simple carbs there are good choices and bad choices when choosing to eat them. For instance white bread or white rice consists of refined carbohydrates which again mean that they are broken down and most of the nutrients and fiber are removed. So your best choice would be to eat unrefined carbs like whole grain bread and whole wheat pasta or brown rice which still has all the nutrients and fiber our bodies need. Fiber helps your body feel full so you are less likely to over eat after eating a bowl of high fiber like oatmeal then eating a bag of candies. Doctors recommend that people with diabetes should cut down simple carbohydrates as these are full of bad sugars and will cause your blood sugar levels to rise.

Your best bet would be to reduce the simple carbs and add more complex such as oatmeal whole wheat and fruit. Your body does need carbohydrates to produce energy. What happens is you digest carbs and your body removes the simple sugars and absorbs it into your blood stream, this will then cause your blood sugar levels to rise which then releases insulin which is a hormone produced in your pancreas. The insulin will then take the sugar from your blood stream and store it in cells where the sugar will then be used by your body as energy. When you eat more simple sugars this process is quickened as it is absorbed faster, this will then in turn make you feel hungrier sooner, and you will have less energy. Good complex carbohydrates will give you more energy longer and you will feel more satisfied. So the truth about carbs is that you should never stop eating them, just in moderation, and eat more whole wheat and whole grain foods, as well as fruits, this will help your body feel more energized and less hungry.