A List of Carbs That Are Good For You

What are Carbs?

Carbohydrates, or carbs, are molecules made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Carbs are the most important source of energy for your body, providing you with the fuel to produce energy. They’re found in a variety of foods, from breads, pastas and rice to vegetables, fruits and dairy products. While all carbs contain calories, not all are created equal. Some are better for you than others.

What is the Difference between Simple and Complex Carbs?

The difference between simple and complex carbs lies in their chemical structure. Simple carbs are made up of one or two sugar molecules, while complex carbs are made up of three or more sugar molecules. Simple carbs include sugar, honey, fruit and milk. Complex carbs include whole grains, legumes, starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds. Complex carbs are digested more slowly than simple carbs, helping you to stay fuller for longer.

Health Benefits of Carbs

Carbs are an essential part of a healthy diet. They provide your body with energy, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Fiber helps to fill you up and keep your bowels healthy. Eating enough carbs also helps to maintain a healthy weight and protect against heart disease, stroke and diabetes. They also help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent spikes in blood sugar.

Which Carbs are Best?

When choosing carbs, it’s important to go for complex carbs over simple carbs. Complex carbs are digested more slowly, giving you a steady supply of energy. They also contain more nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, and more fiber, which helps to keep you full for longer. Choose whole grains, such as brown rice, oats and quinoa, as well as beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.

Good Carbs to Include in Your Diet

There are plenty of nutritious carbs that you can include in your diet. These include oats, barley, quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice, millet, amaranth, sweet potatoes, yams, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. When choosing bread and pasta, opt for whole grain varieties, which are higher in fiber and other nutrients.

Eating Healthy Carbs

It’s important to remember that all carbs are not created equal. While some carbs are good for you, others can be bad for your health. To stay healthy, limit your intake of sugary foods, such as pastries, candy and soda. Stick to complex carbs, such as whole grains, legumes and fruits, which contain fiber and other essential nutrients. Eating a balanced diet, with plenty of nutritious carbs, will help keep you healthy and energized.