Carbohydrates have been getting a lot of bad press coverage in recent times as more people are becoming aware of the effects they have on our bodies and in particular the way they can influence weight gain.
With more and more people suffering from diabetes there has been a lot of information made available in the health journals of the way carbohydrates require increased insulin during the metabolic process.
This constant need for increased insulin eventually results in insulin resistance in many people and it is at this stage that the only alternative is an insulin injection.
It’s not that carbohydrates are ‘bad’ food – far from it.
The problem is with the quantity of carbohydrates that many people are consuming.
It is this excessive carbohydrate consumption that causes the insulin resistance that leads to diabetes.
Carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy but excess will lead to the carbohydrates being stored as fat rather than being burnt as fuel for the body.
The conversion of carbohydrates to energy requires B vitamins and if any of these are not available then the conversion will be blocked and the body will start to store fat.
Too many carbohydrates, whether simple or complex, will increase the blood sugar levels in the body and for those people who already have diabetes they will find that their body can’t cope with the overload.
Increased consumption of carbohydrates will not only increase your chances of getting diabetes but there will be increased exposure to the incidence of high blood pressure and heart attacks.
It is always wise to eat a balanced diet that contains lots of fruit and vegetables along with protein and unprocessed foods.
This will give the body a balanced supply of vitamins and minerals that will aid in bodily functions.
By having a variety of foods in your diet you won’t be as susceptible to the ‘carbohydrate cravings’ or the increased possibility of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
A diet containing good complex carbohydrates will assist in combating hunger pangs because they are released slowly into the body whereas simple carbohydrates that come from sugar and ‘low value’ foods will give the body a short term spike in energy and a resultant craving for more of the same to maintain the high that has just been achieved.
Food substitution from simple to complex carbohydrates, and from carbohydrates to protein will satisfy the hunger pangs while maintaining a good balance of the essential nutrients needed.
At the end of the day it is all about maintaining a good balance in your diet.
Graeme is one of the writers for
TotalBodyandHealth, a comprehensive Body Health and Fitness website that updates daily with news views and recommendations for men and women.
