The energy providing macronutrient which chemically, contain Carbon (carbo) and Water (hydrate) is known as Carbohydrates! Our body turns carbs to glucose and uses them immediately as a quick source of energy or stores it in the liver or muscles for later. Carbohydrates compose about 2% of our body. I know that doesn't sound like a lot but the roles they play in our bodies are essential to sustaining a healthy properly functioning body. Sometimes they can have a bad rap but not all carbohydrates are created equal, there are good and bad carbs. Good Carbs: Are unrefined and they exist in nature. They provide along with vitamin, minerals, proteins and fats nutrients that support our body.
Bad Carbs: Are refined and are man made mixtures. These may give you a quick fix/buzz but are hostile to life due to the fact they are stripped of their nutrients and are usually loaded with harmful ingredients.
The two classifications of Carbs are Simple Carbs and Complex Carbs. Here is a little chart showing some examples of the Refined and Unrefined Carbs in both the classifications.
SIMPLE COMPLEX
Starch+Fiber+Sugar Starch+Fiber+Sugars
Refined Unrefined Refined Unrefined
White Sugar Fruit Bread Vegetables
Fruit Juice Raw Honey White Rice Legumes
Corn Syrup Maple Syrup Pasta Dried Beans
Freshly Squeezed Juices Chips Brown Rice
(Properly Prepared)Whole Grains
About 40% of your daily calorie intake should be UNREFINED mostly COMPLEX carbohydrates. If you can select organic, local and seasonal products whenever possible that is even better.
The roles carbohydrates have in the body are great to know so you can understand why you need them and teach your friends, kids and family why it's so important they eat their broccoli ;).
Roles Carbohydrates play in the body:
-They provide fuel for the brain
-Are a quick source of energy
-Help regulate protein and fat metabolism
-Provide a source of fiber, which helps with regular elimination of waste materials
-Along with proteins and fats Carbohydrates also help; fight infections, promote growth of body tissues such as bones and skin
-They also help lubricate the joints
So next time you have a meal make sure you're getting some delicious GOOD carbs and just know that your body will thank you!
This is so helpful with the misconception that people have that all carbs are bad. Thanks for the info!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Miquela, glad this was helpful :)
DeleteLove how you break down the good carbs and bad carbs. This info is great!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mia!
DeleteShould your carb intake change depending on how much you exercise?
ReplyDeleteHey Mendy! Everybody is different in this case and yes sometimes addling more good carbs to your diet is necessary, especially if you are exercising and feeling like you just don't have enough energy throughout the day. But also try and balance with a Healthy Fat intake as well as that will help provide a slower burning source of energy. I am working on a post now that talks more about Fats, I'll post it in the near future. Sometimes a balanced diet/lifestyle for each person is trial and error and takes a bit of time but your body will definitely let you know when something is working right or not. I hope this was helpful to you :)
DeleteThank you so much for all of this information. In trying to live a healthier lifestyle I need all the info that I can get my hands on. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! You're such a good writer. I'm reading this on my phone so I don't know of I see the chart right, is honey one of the bad carbs? I always thought local honey was good, but maybe that's the exception? I've heard that some honeys in the store are not even really honey. Do you know anything about that? What are some of your favorite recipes that involve complex carbs?
ReplyDeleteHey Chantel, So the raw honey is under the Simple Unrefined Carbs. Sorry I know on phones the little charts are kind of messed up. But yeah I've heard as well that some honey's in stores are so refined and processed that there is barely any real honey in them at all. I would definitely go for raw (preferably local) honey and honestly it tastes so much better too. Try looking into some beauty uses for honey as well. I use it to wash my face. Later on in my blog I'll start talking more about natural beauty "products".
DeleteAlso Chantel, as for my favorite complex carbs recipe I love using quinoa. Add some corn, black beans, cilantro, chicken, lime, spices to taste like some chili, cumin, salt and pepper. Then top with some avocado and sour cream. It is delicious!!
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