The three basic food groups that ensure our health and absence of disease include carbohydrates, fats and proteins. All have a place in how our body operate. For instance, carbohydrates are one of the top fuel sources for our body. Ultimately broken down into glucose, it's necessary for the proper function of our brain, nervous system and nearly every other cell of our body. But that doesn't mean all carbohydrates are created equal.
Fresh Fruits
There are three high-quality sources of carbohydrates: fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. All three contain glucose, vitamins, minerals and fiber. On the other hand, commercially processed fast food is often void of the most important elements of healthy food, are higher in calories, saturated fat and trans fats and raise low-density lipoproteins. Instead, fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, dates, figs, grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, raisins, strawberries and watermelon offer better alternatives.
Vegetables
Vegetables also contain carbohydrates, but usually not in the same quantities as fruits. Like fresh fruit, they are some of the best sources of vitamins and minerals and provide soluble and insoluble fiber that helps reduce low-density lipoproteins and some forms of colon cancer. The best vegetable sources include asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, yellow corn, garlic, green beans, mushrooms, olives, onions, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes and zucchini.
Whole Grains
Whole-grain foods are an essential source of fuel, especially for diabetics who must closely monitor their blood glucose levels. Whole-grain food products take longer to digest and enter the bloodstream, contain soluble fiber that carries away low-density lipoproteins and generally leave you more satisfied over a longer period. Good sources of whole-grain food products include oat bran, wheat flour, navy beans, black beans, split peas, mature lentils, cornmeal lima beans, garbanzo beans and baked beans.
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