Make Carbs Work for You
By Tom Herrin
A lot of us are concerned with our health, as well we should be. It seems that we increasingly find connections to our health and our diets. What we eat is a big deal. The foods we choose to include on our daily menu can make quite a difference in what we need to do to manage our health. Knowledge is always a good thing, and we need to know as much as possible about the foods we eat. While we likely are aware that we take in fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, we may not know the role of each. Many people try to control their weight by cutting carbs, but it is best if we know more about carbs as we do so.
What Do We Mean by Simple?
Many times we refer to a couple of categories of carbs. Simple carbs are generally those that yield sugar faster. They don't have to be broken down as much. At one time, some people felt that simple carbs could go straight to energy. A study in 2019, looked at what we often considered to be a sugar rush caused by simple carbs. The study concluded that it was not so much of a burst of energy as it was a lull that occurred shortly afterward. This low apparently created the impression that there was a sudden rush of energy followed by a lack of it.
Complex Carbs Are Mostly Good
We use the term "complex" to describe carbs that take longer to break down into sugar. This is what we usually need to sustain a good level of energy throughout the day. Some of us should be careful to avoid some of these, particularly those that are considered to be starches such as potatoes. A good diet needs to contain a fair portion of these complex carbs. If you are needing sustained energy, be sure to consume enough complex carbs.
Juices Have Their Place
A lot of people make a point to drink juice in the morning. It is a good way to have simple carbs, but it also loads you up on sugar. If you want the most you can get from fruits, it is suggested that you eat the whole fruit. By doing this, you may be able to get the vitamins, minerals, and fiber contained in them without too much sugar.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Parker, Colo.