Not all carbs are created equal, but that doesn’t mean they’re good or bad.
Are Carbs Really “Good” or “Bad”?
It’s fair to say that carbs are a hot topic these days.
And the discussion doesn’t stop there.
Actually, the truth is a little bit more complicated.
“There’s always a misconception in regard to carbohydrates,” saysMadalyn Vasquez, M.S., RD.
Pictured Recipe:Basil-Chickpea Flatbread
Know the difference between simple carbs and complex carbs.
Complex carbs also contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and small amounts of healthy fats and protein.
Simple carbs impact blood sugar levels more.
If you’re someone who is living with diabetes, you may already be intimately acquainted withcounting carbohydrates.
Our bodies need carbs.
“Carbohydrates are a major macronutrient that the body needs for energy,” Vasquez says.
Glucose is the body’s preferred fuel source, essential for pretty much every cellular process.
Pictured Recipe:Chicken Sausage and Peppers
Prioritize eating complex carbs.
Doing so can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
But, Vasquez doesn’t recommend completely cutting out processed, simple carbs.
She also doesn’t think of them as “bad.”
High-fiber carbs like whole grains, vegetables and beans are slower to digest and packed with other important nutrients.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose these complex carbs most of the time.
But simple, processed carbs aren’t bad.
