Carb Foods That Are Healthy
By Paul Rothbart
In today's health-conscious world, many people are cautious about what they eat. This is a good thing but you have to be careful about the information that's available. There are fad diets constantly coming and going and most of them are wrong in some way. Low-carb diets are in vogue these days. Cutting back on carbohydrates can be a good thing. Eliminating them altogether or cutting back too far is not good for your health no matter how much weight you lose. Carbs break down into simple sugars that provide energy. So it's not about cutting out carbs, rather, it's about choosing healthy carb sources.
Oranges
Many of the healthiest carb foods are fruits and vegetables. Their sugar and carbohydrate content is natural and comes with many important nutrients. Oranges are solid members of this group. An average-size orange contains 15.4 grams of carbohydrates, mainly in the form of the natural sugar, fructose. Oranges are loaded with Vitamin C, an essential nutrient and antioxidant that boosts the immune system and helps fight illness. This is why your mother gave you orange juice when you had a cold.
Apples
Like oranges, the carbohydrates in apples are largely made up of fructose. A medium apple has about 25 grams of carbs and plenty of Vitamin C. They also contain other antioxidants that help your body maintain healthy blood sugar levels. These antioxidants also fight free radicals in the body that attack cells and damage them. This can cause chronic diseases such as cancer. Eating apples may be helpful in cancer prevention.
Oats
Healthy carb foods are not confined to fruits and vegetables. There are whole grains that fit this category perhaps none better than oats. A single serving of oats is about 40 grams and contains about 27 grams of carbs. They also have plenty of fiber which aids digestive system health and fills you up. They are an excellent food for those trying to lose weight. Oats are high in protein. This makes them a great addition to anyone's diet but especially for vegetarians and vegans. Oats are a popular breakfast food but can be enjoyed in any meal in a variety of ways.
Quinoa
Quinoa is another grain with carbs, fiber, and health benefits. One cup has 39 grams of carbs and like oats, quinoa is excellent for non-meat eaters and dieters. It can also help keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
Carbs have gotten a bad rap. Like anything, in excess they can be harmful. But carbohydrates are necessary for good health. The key is to consume a healthy amount and get them from good sources.
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