Good carbs vs. Bad carbs – What you need to know?

Carbs serve as the major source of energy in our diet and include sugars, starches, and celluloses. These compounds are produced by photosynthetic plants and contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in the ratio 1:2:1. Many people see carbs as a dietary evil, which shouldn’t be so because there are two sides to every story and so it is with carbs. There are friendly carbs and there are less-friendly carbs and, fortunately, it’s easy to separate the good from the bad. Let’s take a look at the details about each kind, shall we?

The good Carbohydrates

These are the complex carbs, which are often found in foods that are also rich in dietary fibre. These complex molecules take longer for the body to break down, so we feel fuller for longer and are less likely to start snacking. Good carbs come from vegetables (not just potatoes), fruits, whole grains, and beans.

The bad Carbohydrates

While there are no bad carbs per se, there are certainly some that require caution from our end. These are the simple carbs which are variants of basic sugar and are easily broken down by the body. This means we need to be eating fewer refined and processed carbohydrates that strip away beneficial fibre. That includes cakes, biscuits, sweets, chocolates, and, yes, even those ‘healthy’ cereal bars. You’re doing okay as long as you treat them as occasional treats and not essential foods.

Why they matter?

Carbs are a good source of the calories we need, and the fibre in starchy foods gives our bowels the ‘bulk’ they need to work on. The glucose from carbs is also essential for the brain.

Their downsides

All diets need to be balanced, and too much of even the good carbs can result in weight gain. Also remember that fruits contain simple sugars as well as their vitamin and mineral benefits. The idea is to eat in the right proportions, ensure a good mixed diet, and try to minimize the intake of processed foods.

If you’re still not sure what to eat and what not to eat, or how to prepare and eat a well-balanced diet, trust the experts. Make better choices for a fitter and healthier living for you and your family. Visit Gympik.com and consult a nutritionist and subscribe to an online diet plan that caters to your needs and lifestyle. Some of the best centres that offer diet and nutrition counselling in Bangalore are,

• Anjali Mukerjee Health Total in Indiranagar,
• Anjali Mukerjee Health Total in Jayanagar 4th Block
• Anjali Mukerjee Health Total in JP Nagar 6th Phase,
• Anjali Mukerjee Health Total in Koramangala,
• Anjali Mukerjee Health Total in HSR Layout, and
• Anjali Mukerjee Health Total in Kammanahalli; and
• QUA Nutrition: The Signature Nutrition Clinic in Indiranagar,
• QUA Nutrition: The Signature Nutrition Clinic in Sadashivanagar, and
• QUA Nutrition: The Signature Nutrition Clinic in Jayanagar.