Most of us consume carbohydrates on a daily basis. Many of us associate carbohydrates with breads, pastas etc. However, they are not the only form of carbohydrates available to us.
Here are a few things we all need to know about the different kinds of carbohydrates.
1. Carbohydrates are essential for you
Carbohydrates are of two types, simple and complex, and the math goes something like this - the more the complex, the better it is.
This means that the simple carbohydrates are the ones that are bad for your health. These are the foods that make you put on those extra kilos.
Your body, however, has a basic requirement of carbohydrates that needs to be fulfilled. So cutting carbs completely out of your diet is a big no, no. This is when complex carbohydrates come to your rescue.
Nutritionist Seema Singh, Chief Clinical Nutritionist and HOD at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, says that in this new age trend of having a protein-rich diet, we are forgetting that carbohydrates are our main source of energy.
2. What are good and bad carbohydrates?
Seema Singh, explains that "refined carbohydrates (also known as bad carbs) basically contain only sugar and are easily digested by your body, making it release quick energy."
"On the other hand, complex carbohydrates (or good carbs) contain fiber, starch and sugar, along with vitamins and minerals, which makes the body take longer to digest and so it releases energy slowly, thus keeping you full for a longer duration."
3. What kinds of carbs do you need in your diet?
Simple carbohydrates are found in foods like maida and are added artificially to foods like white bread, cookies, packaged juices, sodas, cakes, pies, cereals, etc. This is the kind of food that needs to be avoided. They are not just bad for your overall health, but also push many towards obesity.
Foods like whole grain bread, quinoa, seeds, nuts, oatmeal, millets fruits and vegetables, belong to the family of complex carbohydrates that are essential for your body. These good carbs should be eaten on a regular basis, rather than evading them entirely from your diet.
Remember, whatever your health goal is, being healthy should always be your top priority!
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Nutritionist Seema Singh is the Chief Clinical Nutritionist and HOD, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
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