Your body requires carbohydrates, just like cars need fuel to run. When you eat carbohydrates, they turn into glucose, which is the main source of energy for your body and brain. If you don’t have enough carbohydrates in your diet, you might feel tired. Now, here are ten important facts about carbohydrates that can help you live a healthier life.
Carbohydrates cause an acid attack on your teeth.
Your mouth has lots of bacteria because it’s a great place for them to live. When you eat, the carbs in your mouth help bacteria make acid that harms your teeth. Some carbs that are not good for your teeth include white bread, cake, and potato chips.
If you eat these foods, drink water to wash away bits of food that cause acid to hurt your teeth. Brushing your teeth before eating is also a good idea to protect them from very acidic foods.
A low-carb diet can shorten your lifespan.
A low-carb diet might make your life shorter because you eat fewer fruits and veggies but more animal proteins and fats. A study shows that people who eat carbs in a balanced way tend to live longer. But if you really want to cut carbs, replace them with veggies instead of meat. Unlike meat, Veggies have no cholesterol and more fiber, which is good for digestion.
Not all carbs are bad for diabetes.
Individuals with diabetes can include carbohydrates in their diet, but they should steer clear of the harmful ones, namely simple or refined carbohydrates. These detrimental carbs can lead to a quicker spike in blood sugar levels, worsening diabetes symptoms. Instead, people with diabetes should opt for complex carbohydrates like oats, carrots, and broccoli. These foods are rich in nutrients and are digested slowly, aiding in the management of blood sugar levels while still allowing carb consumption.
Plants create carbohydrates through photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is the way plants grow by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. This happens in the chloroplast, where sunlight turns water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose.
But glucose isn’t only for energy; it’s also used to create starch and cellulose. Starch stores extra glucose, helping plants grow when they lack sunlight. Cellulose gives plants support and is found in their cell walls.
Carbohydrates are the most commonly eaten macronutrients.
Macronutrients are essential foods that you eat in large quantities to stay healthy and prevent diseases. Carbohydrates are the most popular macronutrient because they provide quick energy, which is especially important for physically active people like construction workers.
However, it’s important to choose complex carbohydrates to avoid feeling tired after a quick energy boost. Not getting enough carbohydrates can lead to low blood sugar, resulting in symptoms like blurry vision, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Eating carbs before and after exercise is important.
Eating carbs before working out gives you energy for better performance. During exercise, your body uses stored energy called glycogen. So, it’s important to eat carbs after to refill glycogen. Carbs also help your immune system after a workout. Eat carbs and other nutrients about 2 hours before exercising. Afterward, experts suggest having carbs within 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how hard you worked out.
Eating lots of carbs and little protein can slow a child’s growth.
When kids eat too many carbs, it raises their insulin levels, which can limit the growth hormone and make them shorter. On the other hand, not having enough protein can affect bone growth. So, it’s important for children to have a balanced diet with the right amounts of carbs and protein to help them grow taller.
Eating too many simple carbs can make you feel hungrier.
Eating too many simple carbs can raise your insulin levels and make you digest them quickly. This can make you feel hungrier even after eating a lot. Plus, sugary foods with simple carbs can trigger your brain to want more, thanks to dopamine. However, you can still enjoy sweets without getting hungrier. Just be mindful when you indulge, and you can savor your treats guilt-free.
You can lose weight without cutting carbs from your diet.
The key to losing weight is controlling how much you eat. It helps you make sure you’re only eating healthy foods that your body needs. Without portion control, trying to lose weight by cutting carbs won’t work.
A good way to begin controlling your portion sizes is by meal prepping and cooking meals for the week. This not only helps you avoid overeating but also saves you time and money.
Carbs aren’t the sole brain fuel.
When your body lacks glucose, it uses ketones for energy, made by your liver from burning fat. This leads to a ketogenic diet. Ketones have benefits like acting as antioxidants, preserving muscles, and slowing cancer growth. But they can also cause nutritional deficiencies, which can be addressed with dietary supplements.
