The three major and most common carbohydrates (carbs) are starches, dietary fibers, and sugars. Carbs can be found in many foods including breads, fruits, grains, vegetables, sugary foods (candy, ice cream, etc.), cereals, and milk products, Carbs are essential to keeping the body moving because they create the body's energy. The body transforms carbs into glucose or blood sugar, which creates fuel for the cells.
Not all carbs are created equal. The best carbohydrates are consumed directly from fruits, vegetables, grains, and other natural sources. These are known as complex carbs and take longer to break down or digest. The bad or unhealthier carbs come from processed sources like candy, donuts, cakes, and ice cream. These are typically called simple carbs and are quickly digested. For many people, it is best not to worry so much about the amount of carb intake per day, but rather on consuming healthy carbs (complex carbs) that take time to break down. It is ideal to look for foods with no added sugars. For example, plain yogurt will naturally contain sugar known as lactose. However, sugar is routinely added to yogurt outside of the naturally occurring lactose, especially when flavoring is added to plain yogurt. Steer clear of the added sugar, to eat healthier.
Examples of starches: breads, rice, grains, legumes, cereal, and potatoes.
Examples of soluble fiber: apples, nuts, oatmeal, celery.
Examples of insoluble fiber: whole wheat, wheat bran, broccoli, raisins, green beans, cabbage,
Example of sugars: doughnuts, cookies, regular soda, fruit juice.
Not all carbs are created equal. The best carbohydrates are consumed directly from fruits, vegetables, grains, and other natural sources. These are known as complex carbs and take longer to break down or digest. The bad or unhealthier carbs come from processed sources like candy, donuts, cakes, and ice cream. These are typically called simple carbs and are quickly digested. For many people, it is best not to worry so much about the amount of carb intake per day, but rather on consuming healthy carbs (complex carbs) that take time to break down. It is ideal to look for foods with no added sugars. For example, plain yogurt will naturally contain sugar known as lactose. However, sugar is routinely added to yogurt outside of the naturally occurring lactose, especially when flavoring is added to plain yogurt. Steer clear of the added sugar, to eat healthier.
Examples of starches: breads, rice, grains, legumes, cereal, and potatoes.
Examples of soluble fiber: apples, nuts, oatmeal, celery.
Examples of insoluble fiber: whole wheat, wheat bran, broccoli, raisins, green beans, cabbage,
Example of sugars: doughnuts, cookies, regular soda, fruit juice.