Too often, carbs are painted as the bad guys, which is why like many people, you may believe carbs make you gain weight. However, the truth is that carbohydrates are among the three macronutrients required for your body to function properly, the other two being fat and protein. So after all, why are carbs important to your diet?
Sure, like anything else in life, too much of carbs isn’t healthy, and you need to consume the right carbs which are healthy for your body. Good carbs like whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and grains should be a part of your diet since they offer so many benefits for your body. Below, we discuss some of the benefits of eating carbs and why you should add them to your diet.
Carbs help in reducing the risk of heart disease
When it comes to health, carbs are number one. Various researches have shown that healthy carbs can help in the prevention of heart diseases. For instance, if you eat more beans and oatmeals – foods which have soluble fiber – then your LDL cholesterol will reduce. If you consume more whole grains, then your HDL cholesterol will increase, while LDL cholesterol decreases.
Carbs maximize the functioning of the central nervous system
The central nervous system (CNS) in our body consists of the brain and spinal cord, meaning that our cognitive as well as emotional abilities depend on this system. The CNS requires a constant supply of glucose for optimal functioning, and carbs are the best source of glucose. So, a steady intake of healthy carbs means better learning ability, improved memory, as well as improved moods.
Carbs help in reducing bloating
When you consume healthy carbs such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you are reducing bloating in the process. This is because these foods are very rich in their fiber content, and fiber is great for keeping the bowel movements regular. Therefore, your body will regularly and naturally eliminate the waste inside your body that bloats you up, leaving you feeling slim and comfortable.
Carbs provide you with energy
Again, this advantage of carbs is associated with glucose. Since carbs are one of the most important sources of glucose which the human body requires to function, they fuel up our energy. Although other nutrients such as fats and protein are important too, carbs are the primary source of glucose and hence, energy. So, the next time you feel easily exhausted during your morning run, it may mean you need to add more of carbs in your diet.
Whether if you are on some kind of almost-carb-free diet like the Paleo diet, Atkins of even South Beach, you must understand that although most of them are against carbs, they are not your enemies. In the bottom line, it’s all about maintaining a moderate, healthy lifestyle for a long time. The best way to achieve that is to consume complex carbs such as rice and quinoa instead of bread and other empty carbs. Good luck!
