Carbohydrates provide energy for the human body. It is metabolized in the liver, producing glucose, which is used immediately or stored for later use. A carbohydrate is called simple if it is quickly digested and rapidly absorbed. Simple carbohydrates are often called bad carbs and they are found in food that contains refined sugar and white flour. Foods containing complex carbohydrates, which take longer to digest and contain fiber, vitamins and minerals, are called good carbs. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a healthy diet should contain few bad carbs and modest amounts of good carbs with an emphasis on whole grain foods.
Bad Carbs: Sweetened Sodas
Sweetened soda is a food that contains bad carbs. It is usually sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, which is both a simple sugar and a bad carb that may lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Consumption of lots of soda may also contribute to other disorders such as metabolic syndrome, a condition that raises the risk of heart disease. Healthier alternatives to soda are fresh water, tea, or non-fat milk.
Bad Carbs: White Breads, Cakes and Cookies.
Refined sugar is considered a bad carb. Foods containing refined sugar have less nutritional value than foods such as fruit that contain natural simple sugars. White bread and some baked goods such as cakes and cookies are examples of foods that often contain refined sugar. Other bad carbs that may be listed on package labels include corn sweeteners, brown sugar, dextrose, fructose or high-fructose corn syrup. These foods should be minimized in a healthy diet.
Good Carbs: Whole Grain Foods
Foods containing whole grains are sources of good carbs and important additions to a healthy diet. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends starting the day with whole grain cereal or whole grain baked products and continuing to incorporate whole grain foods throughout the day. Whole wheat pasta is readily available and is a substitute for white pasta. These foods also provide the body with fiber, which will help keep the digestive system healthy and regular.
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