Some Carbs Are Better Than Others
By Tom Herrin
Much of what we do about health is concerned with our diets. It is true that we need regular rest and exercise, too, but diet affects us in many ways. The number of calories we take in is a balancing act along with how we burn them. We need to be aware of how much each is worth. We also need to be concerned with the kinds of foods we eat. Those who must get the maximum possible out of what they eat in order to perform efficiently will need to be very aware of the value of their food. In recent years, we have seen several diets focused on going to the extreme in cutting carbs and forcing the body to burn fat in place of carbs for energy. The reality is that carbs are necessary but can be consumed to great excesses. Knowing a little about the types of carbs can help.
Simple Isn't Always Healthy
For some things, keeping them simple may mean staying with the basics. With carbs, simple is generally referring to something that can be easily converted to sugar for burning. Many of them are near plain sugar. Some people drink a soft drink believing that they will get quick energy. They may get a lift, but according to a 2019 study, some of the effect of this rush is due to the fact that there is a low a short time after taking in simple sugars. For the most part, we should try to avoid relying on too many simple carbs as a part of our diet.
Complex Carbs Are Better for the Long Haul
The discussion about carbs involves good health and productivity. For those who need sustained energy for a longer period of time, complex carbs can provide that. Even within this group, there are different kinds. Some people try to stay away from those that are higher in starches such as rice and potatoes. A better choice for any of us is usually something like green or yellow vegetables. These can give us that energy source that may last for much longer because the process of breaking down the carbs into usable energy take longer. This is a good thing most of the time.
Be Careful of Juices
Fruit is a good thing as it generally has lots of vitamins and minerals. When we consume it as juice, it often has a higher amount of sugar. If we do so daily, we may want to consider eating a piece of fruit rather than drinking juice. We will get the same amount of vitamins and minerals with likely less sugar.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in College Station, Tex.