Articles - Nutrition
Why You Need Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide your body with glucose which is necessary for all
cellular primary source for immediate energy. Excess glucose can be
immediately used for energy with some stored as glycogen in the liver and
muscles short term; when this storage limit is reached, the excess
carbohydrates are converted to fat. Carbohydrates also provide essential
vitamins and minerals which help to prevent cancer, heart disease, and
other chronic illness. The key is the source of the carbohydrates.
Simple Carbohydrates
Provide your body with instant energy, but it is not long-lasting. These
carbohydrates include simple sugars and starches and are considered to
have low nutrient density. They cause a surge of insulin which causes your
blood sugar levels to drop. This drop in blood sugar can trigger the brain to
issue hunger signals and therefore cause you to overeat.
Complex Carbohydrates
Considered to be high nutrient density foods and are released into your
bloodstream more slowly and take longer to digest, so they contribute to a
sense of fullness. They also do not trigger a rapid release of insulin.
Examples of complex carbs are: vegetables, most fruits, and high-fiber,
whole-grain breads. Fiber is critical for intestinal health and weight loss.
Recommended Carbohydrate Intake:
Adults should get 45 percent to 65 percent of their calories from
carbohydrates.
The minimum amount of carbohydrate that children and adults need for
proper brain function is 130 grams a day.
Added sugars should make up no more than 25 percent of total calories
consumed.
Sources: Institute of Medicine; Dietary Reference Intakes for Macronutrients,
National Academies Press, Washington DC 2002
Carbohydrates provide your body with glucose which is necessary for all
cellular primary source for immediate energy. Excess glucose can be
immediately used for energy with some stored as glycogen in the liver and
muscles short term; when this storage limit is reached, the excess
carbohydrates are converted to fat. Carbohydrates also provide essential
vitamins and minerals which help to prevent cancer, heart disease, and
other chronic illness. The key is the source of the carbohydrates.
Simple Carbohydrates
Provide your body with instant energy, but it is not long-lasting. These
carbohydrates include simple sugars and starches and are considered to
have low nutrient density. They cause a surge of insulin which causes your
blood sugar levels to drop. This drop in blood sugar can trigger the brain to
issue hunger signals and therefore cause you to overeat.
Complex Carbohydrates
Considered to be high nutrient density foods and are released into your
bloodstream more slowly and take longer to digest, so they contribute to a
sense of fullness. They also do not trigger a rapid release of insulin.
Examples of complex carbs are: vegetables, most fruits, and high-fiber,
whole-grain breads. Fiber is critical for intestinal health and weight loss.
Recommended Carbohydrate Intake:
Adults should get 45 percent to 65 percent of their calories from
carbohydrates.
The minimum amount of carbohydrate that children and adults need for
proper brain function is 130 grams a day.
Added sugars should make up no more than 25 percent of total calories
consumed.
Sources: Institute of Medicine; Dietary Reference Intakes for Macronutrients,
National Academies Press, Washington DC 2002
WELLNESS
DIET
A-Z Weight Loss Diets
Diet & Physical Activity
NUTRITION
Healthy Eating Habits
The Superfoods
Best Foods for Anti-Aging
Best Heart Healthy Foods
Best Cancer Fighting Foods
Superfoods to Boost Immunity
WEIGHT MANGEMENT
Calculating Body Frame Size
Calculating Body Mass Index BMI)
PERSONAL CARE
Health & Nutition Resources
Web Links
DIET
A-Z Weight Loss Diets
Diet & Physical Activity
NUTRITION
Healthy Eating Habits
The Superfoods
Best Foods for Anti-Aging
Best Heart Healthy Foods
Best Cancer Fighting Foods
Superfoods to Boost Immunity
WEIGHT MANGEMENT
Calculating Body Frame Size
Calculating Body Mass Index BMI)
PERSONAL CARE
Health & Nutition Resources
Web Links
Examples of "good carbs":
vegetables
fruit
beans
nuts
seeds
whole grains like oatmeal
brown rice
whole grains.
Most complex carbs also provide a
good amount of fiber which makes you
feel full, keeps your digestive tract
working properly and helps stabilize
blood sugar levels.
vegetables
fruit
beans
nuts
seeds
whole grains like oatmeal
brown rice
whole grains.
Most complex carbs also provide a
good amount of fiber which makes you
feel full, keeps your digestive tract
working properly and helps stabilize
blood sugar levels.
An Abundant LifeStyle - Your Guide to Health and Nutrition