The Truth Behind Carbohydrates’ Bad Rap

�Don�t eat white bread! It�s not good for you, wholegrain is so much better.�

To understand why carbohydrates or carbs get a bad rap, first we need to understand the two types of carbs: simple carbs and complex carbs. The first is made up of easily digestible simple sugars, which lend food its �sweet� taste. It raises blood sugar levels more quickly than complex carbs, and can be found in fruits, vegetables and processed foods. Meanwhile, complex carbs are made up of fibre and starches, which is what improves our digestive system and sustains the energy level in our body. Complex carbs can be found in legumes, roots and grains, but this is also inclusive of the highly-refined starches found in white bread and pastries.

When we consume simple sugars and highly-refined starches, our bodies store the calories from the food instead of burning them, which results in weight gain and increased blood sugar levels. But the right carbs are a great source of energy as well as a source of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. In fact, they�re great for more than just that, here�s how:

Some believe that a low-carb diet lowers the risk of getting heart disease. However, research has found that people who eat more whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, have lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This is a key finding as LDL cholesterol is linked to higher risk of heart disease, while HDL works to reduce the risk.

No-carb/low-carb diets have been linked to slower learning and thinking skills as well as memory problems. In fact, a study found that women who eliminated carbs from their diet did poorly on reaction time and suffered reduced visuospatial skills (such as the ability to maintain a visual map in our memory from trips we have made in the past).

2. Say hello to potatoes

3. Be sure to eat more chickpeas

4. Consider alternative carb sources

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