Your Body and Carbohydrates
Apr 07, 2009 9 Comments »
Our body needs energy or power to carry out thousands of chemical processes that take place inside us. The most efficient source of this energy is carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are processed into blood sugar which is supplied to various muscles and other organs of our body as energy.
Carbohydrates can be easily classified into simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates according to their ability to transform into blood sugar.
Simple carbohydrates convert to blood sugar almost immediately on consumption because of their simple molecular structure that consists of one or two sugar molecules. These are easily digestible and hence raise the blood sugar levels quickly. This sudden rise attracts a quick response from insulin that keeps our blood sugar under control. High level insulin blocks our body to burn fat adequately and may result in a condition known as hypoglycemia (dip in glucose level). This in turn makes us feel fatigued, dizzy and weak. Some sources of the simple carbohydrates are refined sugar, dairy sugar, fruit sugar, refined flour etc. Simple carbohydrates are very good source of quick energy but you should be very cautious about their consumption to avoid too much quick changes in blood sugar levels.
Complex Carbohydrates consist of multiple chains of sugar molecules making them more difficult to digest immediately. The complex carbohydrates contain lots of fiber and starch e.g. rice, beans, pasta, wheats, grains, and potatoes. Fibrous carbohydrates usually have very low calorie count but are still needed for a healthy and clean digestion system.
Now the important point to ponder is whether we need carbs and if yes then what kind of carbs should be taken in what quantities. There is a continuing debate going on this topic with some experts putting the blame for worldwide obesity on the carbohydrates. This has resulted in an anti carb movement with emergence of lots of low carb diets. On the other hand the low intake of carbs results in loss of lean muscle mass and unhealthy weight loss. Mostly, low-carb diets are also low on nutritional value and do not even adhere to traditional health and government recommendations for the same. Usually the low-carb diet is good for short term results or is suitable for someone with a known carb or sugar sensitivity.
It is recommended by major health organizations including American Heart Association to keep the intake of carbohydrates moderated. In caloric terms, around 55% of caloric intake should come from carbohydrates.
From the properties of simple and complex carbohydrates it is clear that one should choose to consume more of complex carbs as the release of blood sugar is much more controlled with their intake.
Posted by admin | Tags: Dieting, Healthy Eating
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April 7th, 2009 at 5:49 am
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April 7th, 2009 at 9:05 am
[...] Your Body and Carbohydrates | Weight Loss Ways By admin Fibrous carbohydrates usually have very low calorie count but are still needed for a healthy and clean digestion system. Now the important point to ponder is whether we need carbs and if yes then what kind of carbs should be taken in what … This has resulted in an anti carb movement with emergence of lots of low carb diets. On the other hand the low intake of carbs results in loss of lean muscle mass and unhealthy weight loss. Mostly, low-carb diets are also low on … Weight Loss Ways – http://www.weight-loss-ways.com/ [...]
April 7th, 2009 at 10:05 am
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