Carbohydrates

๐Ÿ”ฅ In short

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. They help the brain work, the muscles move, and you feel energetic.

Useful tips:

  • Prefer complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, legumes) — they are slowly absorbed and provide energy for a long time.
  • Simple carbohydrates (sugar, sweets, white bread) are quick energy, but they lead to sugar spikes and fatigue and don’t satiate the body, making you want to eat them again.
  • Include fiber in your diet — it slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and improves digestion.

Important:

  • Simple carbohydrates affect your blood sugar levels, for example, if you eat a lot of sweets or white bread. Your blood sugar rises sharply and then falls quickly, leading to fatigue, headaches, and hunger.
  • Simple carbohydrates are easily converted into fat if you consume more energy than you spend. This is one of the reasons for weight gain.
  • Carbohydrate deficiency is also harmful, as is excess. If you completely refuse carbohydrates, the body will experience a lack of energy, which will lead to weakness, dizziness, and impaired brain function.
  • Lack of fiber in the diet slows down bowel function, leading to constipation and bloating.

Which foods are 100% carbohydrates?

In nature, foods consisting exclusively of carbohydrates are rare, but here are a few examples:

  1. Pure glucose — an instant source of energy, used in medicine.
  2. Sucrose (ordinary sugar) — sweet, but harmful in large quantities.
  3. Starch (corn, potato) — used in cooking as a thickener.

Often, foods with 100% carbohydrate content can be found in sports and baby food, soft drinks, and fast food.

Important: such products are often hidden in the composition under different names, for example, «maltodextrin», «glucose syrup», «corn starch». Read the composition carefully!

Interesting fact: honey contains up to 80% carbohydrates, but it is also rich in antioxidants and beneficial substances.

Conclusion

Not all carbohydrates are equally useful. Choose foods with natural carbohydrates, avoid excess sugar, and eat more fiber. Then energy will steadily flow into the body without sharp mood swings and fatigue.