I'm writing to you today to talk about carbohydrates. I frequently get asked questions like, are carbohydrates bad for you? Are they fattening? Do bananas have too much sugar, what about carrots? So let's address carbohydrates to set the record straight.
First, the types of foods you eat play a significant role in your health. Processed foods often contain additives and are void of nutritional value, providing the body with no health benefits. Junk foods that contain ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and trans fats promote chronic inflammation and weaken the immune system, which contribute to chronic illness and disease.
Now, carbohydrates often get a bad rap, especially when it comes to weight gain. But carbohydrates aren't all bad and have a necessary place in your diet.
They have many health benefits, including high levels of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healing plant chemicals called phytonutrients. Most carbohydrates occur naturally in plant-based foods and these are the types you want to add to your meals. They include colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. These foods contain fiber, the indigestible portion of food, and help control blood sugar levels. That's why the sugar in fruit is different from the sugar in a doughnut. The sugar in fruit contains fiber and nutrients that will not impact your blood sugar levels the same way the doughnut does. The doughnut spikes your insulin and ultimately sends you crashing and craving more sugar.
Focusing on quality carbohydrates, especially a variety of produce that is brightly colored, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to help prevent cellular damage. They help to normalize weight, increase energy, improve digestion, protect against cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, prevent mood swings, and sugar crashes.
So now you're in the know...the right carbohydrates are essential for good health! They heal the body in amazing ways, and the only harm is skipping a meal without them!
Now, I'd love to hear from you! How will you be adding more quality carbohydrates to your meals this week?
To your health & happiness,
Amy