Negros Oriental – Carbs or carbohydrates are important components of health and nutrition. These are types of nutrients found in certain foods and beverages; some are healthy, and some aren’t so good for the body. The body uses carbohydrates to make glucose which is then converted into glycogen used as the body’s primary fuel source. The body depends on this energy to function properly.
Low carbohydrate diets are popular these days and are not new to many. These are unbalanced diets and are difficult to sustain, which means that any loss in weight could most likely be regained. Also, a low carbohydrate diet eliminates not just unhealthy carbs such as sweetened beverages but also healthy carbs like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, resulting in the depletion of nutrients that these foods provide.
It is important to know that there are two different types of carbohydrates – complex and simple carbohydrates. Examples of complex carbohydrates are whole grains, bran, whole wheat bread, rice, cereal, beans or legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Example of simple carbohydrates on the other hand is white bread, cake, sweets, chocolates, and sweetened beverages.
Nutrition experts are not recommending eliminating any food group because it is simply not sustainable for most people. For people wanting to lose weight, the recommended strategy is not to remove carbohydrates from their diets; instead, include a moderate amount of healthy carbohydrates in every meal. When people eliminate carbohydrates in their diet, they will likely miss out on the vitamins and nutrients that the body needs which could result in low energy levels, weak muscles, fainting, headaches, constipation, and worst, cardiovascular diseases.
A low carbohydrate diet may be popular but note that carbs are not the enemy. The right carbs fuel the body and give a lot of nutrients too. Cutting or lowering your carbohydrate intake can help people lose weight but that is not the best choice for weight reduction. Limiting carbohydrate intake is not a good idea. It is not advisable to restrict yourself to any nutrient or identify certain food as good or bad. Our bodies will perform at their best when we eat a reasonable, moderate, and balanced amount of quality carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats. Practicing healthy eating coupled with regular exercise, smoking cessation, and reduction of alcohol intake is your passport to good health and longevity. // ND II Chutsvieka May Pacatang, RND
