Yes, SOME Carbs Are Actually Necessary

Unfortunately, low-carb and high-protein diets have increased the confusion and oversimplified the issue of protein versus carbs. Many people have come to believe that all carbs are bad and mean weight gain or poor health.

What’s lost is the fact that, like fats and proteins, not all carbs are created equal.

Carbohydrates are found in MANY foods, from sugar to chips, to cookies, dried fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and yes, whole grains. And of course, a spoonful of sugar (carbs) is not as good as oats (also carbs). Why?

Because whole grains, like oats, are complex carbohydrates, and they’re essential for good health. They provide fiber, protein (yep, protein!), vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and other nutrients not available in any other synergistic package.

Our bodies need energy all the time – not just for our daily workouts, but for our brain, heart, and all the cells in our body to function well. Whole-grain carbs provide us with this energy. Because they’re complex, they break down slowly and give us more steady energy.

Fiber is another benefit of whole grains. It slows the absorption of sugars and fats, and it binds with cholesterol in the intestines and may lower cholesterol levels.

Fiber can also help colon health, promote bowel movements, and prevent constipation when consumed with enough water. It also helps fill us up, so we feel satisfied longer, making it much easier to manage our weight.

All healthy diets rely on whole grains, and SuperFoodsRx recommends eating 5-7 servings of whole grains every day. Unfortunately, many Americans don’t eat one whole-grain serving a day! This is a real tragedy. If we could shift that balance, we would all be healthier.

Look for products that have actual whole grains, are high in fiber, and have few additional ingredients. Whole-grains include SuperFood oats and SideKicks barley, quinoa, wheat, rye, millet, amaranth, brown/dark rice, spelt, and couscous.

 

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash