Keep Some Carbs for Good Health
By Tom Herrin
Trends vary as time goes by. Diets come and go as some people seem to feel they have come upon something that can make a dramatic difference. This is true, in some cases, but others may end up damaging heath. When everyone jumps on a bandwagon, it is easier to justify whatever the theme is as being the next big thing. It seems that recently, one of the popular trends is to cut carbs. In some cases, this reduction can be extreme. Without a good understanding of the role of carbs, people may suffer effects of a poor decision.
Some Carbs Are Best Left Out
There are different kinds of carbs depending on their source. Those that come from sugar can be harmful, especially when they are consumed in excess. Many of these are readily available in some form of packaged food. People often grab them for a quick snack and pack themselves with unhealthy calories. It has been suggested that women should limit their intake of carbs from sugar to 100 calories per day and men should limit theirs to 150. It can be a simple recipe for better health.
Good Carbs Are Necessary
Even for those who are trying to cut carbs, some are needed for their overall health to be good. The body requires carbs to provide fuel. If there are not enough to make it work, the body will begin to use muscles for fuel. When they are metabolized in this way, the body will lose lean muscle mass. These carbs can be derived from fruits, vegetables, and grains. While this is what many mothers told their children for years, lots of people dismissed it as outdated advice. It may have been ahead of its time. Modern research has proven this advice as pretty sound.
Achieve Balance for Health
We all should have concern about our nutrition. After all, as they say, we are what we eat. Each of the major nutrients has its place. Proteins, fats, and carbs each play an important role in our health. While they don't have to be there in equal portions, there is a proper amount that each of us needs. It may vary from individual to individual, but each serves a specific purpose. We may have a need to cut carbs to some extent, but some of them serve a vital purpose in overall health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Elk Grove, Calif.