Carb-Free or Carb Heavy: Which is Right?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Carbs are such a hot topic when it comes to diet and general nutrition. Some people swear they’re the devil’s sweet tooth, and others claim maybe they’re not so bad after all. The overall debate can be quite contradictory and even more confusing. So what’s the truth? Should we eat plenty of carbs or shy away? Take a look at the good and bad of carb eating so that you can make an informed decision for yourself.
The Benefits of Carbs
There are plenty of good reasons to keep carbohydrates in your diet. A few of these benefits may include:
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Carbs might make you feel good - It’s thought that carbs help produce serotonin in the brain, which is the feel good chemical. Eating them might improve moods and make you feel better.
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Carbs might be good for the brain - Many doctors and researchers believe that depriving the body of carbs may decrease the brain’s ability to reason and remember. Getting enough may help boost this area of the brain.
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Many carbs are slow release - Carbs energy is slower releasing than other forms. By filling up the body with carbs, you’re saving some energy for later in the day.
The Negatives of Carbs
When you normally hear about carbs, it’s usually in reference to all of the negative side effects of eating them. While carbs aren’t all bad, there may be a few reasons to avoid certain kinds of carbohydrates. A few of the negative side effects of eating carbs include:
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Carbs are sometimes converted to sugar - Some types of carbs, when not burned off in a timely manner, are converted to sugar. This could mean potential weight gain.
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Carbs can make you feel hungry - Some kinds of carbs contain very little in the way of fiber. This means that you may feel hungry before it’s time, and it may lead to overeating.
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Carbs might lead to disease - Too many carbohydrates can contribute to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Why Balance is Key
As evidenced, there are both good and bad things about consuming carbohydrates. For this reason, the best approach is a balanced one. You should eat carbohydrates, but you should do so in moderation. If you take a balanced approach to eating carbs, you can enjoy the deliciousness while keeping your body healthy all at the same time.
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