As you consume carbs, they are broken down into sugar, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. This causes your sugar levels to increase, making the pancreas release a hormone called insulin. Insulin transfers the sugar to our cells, giving you the energy you need for your muscles and brain. Carbs also help maintain good gastrointestinal health.
Insulin: What is it?
The pancreas and cells within the pancreas create a hormone called insulin. What insulin does is gives you the energy you need for your daily life. What is also does is stores extra sugar. This extra sugar can be found in fat, the liver and your muscles which will then be released when you need it.
What are the good carbs?
Whole grain foods: Whole grain foods tend to have more nutrients and fiber then your processed foods. Processed foods also contain a lot of preservatives. Most of America only consumes about 1 whole grain food a day. Meaning they need to increase that by three times. Some examples of whole grain foods are:
- Oat Bran
- Oatmeal
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat pasta
- Air popped pop corn
Fruit: Okay, yes fruit is loaded with carbohydrates and as you know a lot of sugar. However, fruit also provides you with a lot of vitamins and minerals as well. Some specifically are:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Any dried fruit
- Oranges
- Pineapples
Vegetables: For some of you it’s hard to even think about eating certain vegetables. The taste is just something you can’t seem to bear. But what you must take into consideration is that each one provides you with certain things your body needs, such as antioxidants and phytochemical.
Both of these help your body fight off illness. So take the time and grab some fresh veggies. Some examples are:
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Brussel Sprouts
- Asparagus
- Carrots
What are the bad carbs?
Bad carbohydrates are found mainly in refined and processed foods such as:
- Pasta
- Candy
- Cakes
- Breads
What happens is because the sugars are broken down at such a rapid pace, at high quantities in your system, it can cause you to produce too much insulin. Too much insulin can cause weight gain and other health problems. It also causes you to feel hungry sooner making you to want to eat more.
Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with having an occasional donut or snatching up a piece of that birthday cake from the office party you participated in. The most important thing to remember is to control your portions.
Get a jump start on your personal weight loss program today.
Sources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/23/earlyshow/health/main1432342.shtml
http://vickids.tamu.edu/nutrition/green.html
http://www.epigee.org/fitness/deal_with_carbs.html
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20071015/gi-woes-cut-into-work-productivity
