Lifestyle

Busting common myths about carbohydrates

During your weight loss journey you might have heard many people suggesting you to opt different kinds of diets and avoid various foods. Also, confrontation with wildly varying opinions and advice about carbohydrates is quite common. What amount of carbs should be consumed, do they make you fat or should you avoid them completely? These myths create a lot of confusion but don’t worry, this article will clear all your confusions about carbs by busting myths related to carbohydrates:

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  • All carbs are unhealthy

Contrary to the rumor that all carbs are the same and make you fat, different types of carbs break down sugar at different paces, depending on their fiber content and thus have different impacts on your body. There are healthy carbs available with high fibre content such as whole-grains (whole-wheat bread, brown rice), starchy veggies (potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn), and fresh fruit. The type of carbs that you should cut out on are processed goods, baked items, sugary drinks, sweets, as they all contain empty calories.

  • Less carbs means healthy diet

Let me state it straight to you, cutting out carbs from your diet won’t make it healthier.

Healthy diets with carb-rich foods are filled with nutrients like fiber, Vitamin B, iron,folate which provide energy to the body, and not consuming enough of them can make you feel sluggish or even invite signs of low blood-sugar. Therefore balancing the carbs in your diet is the key to staying healthy.

  • Consuming Carbs make you fat

Talking about rumors, carbs have a bad reputation as they are believed to be fattening. But facts say that specific type of carb and quantity consumed is the main culprit. Refined carbs like desserts, white bread, rice and pasta are known to cause weight gain whereas to reduce weight it is advisable to limit your carb intake to one cup per meal.

  • Fruits are unhealthy because they have carbs

In addition to natural sugar (fructose), fruits are abundantly packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. And yes, they are not unhealthy. One just has to be mindful of the portion they take and it is recommended to consume fresh fruit over frozen fruits and fruit juice as they contain more fructose, but lack enough fiber.

  • All white foods contain more carbs and should be avoided

Contrary to the belief of many, considered “white” foods white food such as  cauliflower, potatoes, onions and garlic, beans, and apples could actually be essential for good health, as they contain plenty of phytonutrients, are rich in antioxidants and boost immunity.

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