Carbohydrates in Your Body...in Your Diet

Since the 1970's, the traditional diet, with carbohydrates as the foundation, has been touted as the leading cause of the rise in obesity rates in the United States. But is the culprit all carbohydrates or refined carbohydrates? The refining process alters the natural composition of sugars and grains, reducing the amount of fiber and micronutrients that the body needs for optimum health. There is a clear indication of the connection between the increased consumption of refined sugars and carbohydrates and the rise in obesity and obesity related diseases, the simple truth remains that carbohydrates are not the evil they have been purported to be. Carbohydrates, the right kind of carbohydrates, are needed by the body not only for quick and long term energy needs but also to maintain normal bodily functions and a healthy gastrointestinal tract.


What are carbohydrates?

The right carbohydrates are essential to a healthy diet. Technically speaking, carbohydrates are chemical compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and fibers. Carbohydrates are either simple or complex. Carbohydrates are broken down into single units in the digestive tract where they are absorbed and transported to the liver, used as energy, or converted into glucose and stored for quick use. The main purpose of carbohydrates is to provide the body with energy, mainly from glucose (sugar). (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006)


Simple Carbohydrates