Carbohydrates are in every food, ranging from pizza to candy and even fruits and vegetables. They serve as an essential component to all aspects of a functioning human body and provide energy, nutrients, vitamins, and fiber, all of which are needed for humans to carry out life processes. However, common misconceptions have arisen surrounding the healthiness of carbs. The best way to break down these misconceptions is by understanding how carbs work and which type of carbs come from what foods.
Carbohydrates are in every food, ranging from pizza to candy and even fruits and vegetables. Carbs in all foods get broken down into two forms of glucose (sugar), simple and complex:
Simple carbohydrates are sugars that are found most commonly in foods like syrups, soft drinks, and fruits.
Complex carbs are found in grain products, such as oatmeal, bread, and quinoa.
The process of breaking down simple carbs into fuel for the body occurs much quicker than complex carbs.
In addition to being a source of energy, carbohydrates can also be important in regulating blood sugar. Fibers, a type of carbohydrate, cannot be digested by humans. Instead, it passes through the body, working as either a blood cholesterol and sugar regulator or bowel movements.
The importance of carbohydrates is important in understanding the next step of what type of carbs are best. Simple carbs offer short bursts of energy and are usually associated with high and refined sugary foods like syrup and candy. Eating fruits provides the best opportunity for a fast energy source, while also providing nutrients that are greatly beneficial. Conversely, complex carbohydrates pack more nutrients and are also a great source of fiber. They take longer to break down because they are long chains of glucose molecules. These chains get broken down into glucose but provide lasting energy and much more nutrients for the body. These purposes of carbohydrates are why they are the body’s greatest source of energy.
A common misconception that occurs is that, since carbohydrates are the main source of energy, the best way to lose weight is to cut out almost all carbohydrates from one’s diet. While in essence, this may sound like a good idea, carbohydrates hold many processes that are just as essential to the human body. Nutrients and minerals found in high-carb foods such as fruits and bread also hold fatty acids. Fatty acids are the main storage for energy and are building blocks to the fat in our bodies, which helps protect organs and promotes cell growth.
If carbohydrate consumption is low, then the body turns to fat and protein as a source of energy. However, fat does not digest completely when eaten. As a result of this, using it as a source of energy can be harmful long-term. As for protein, it is an essential component to building muscles and other cells in the body. If used as a primary energy source, the body will begin to weaken and thin unhealthily.
Important for energy and body regulation, carbohydrates are fundamental for the growth and functioning of a human body. They come in two types, simple and carbs. Foods with simple carbs like fruits are important for providing essential nutrients and vitamins. Complex carbs are crucial, as they provide lasting energy for the body and can even help regulate blood sugar and blood cholesterol. They are found in whole grains. While some foods with high carbs and refined products are unhealthy, foods with natural sugars and complex carbohydrates are still important in carrying out life processes.