Carbohydrates for energy

NganHong Tan
Jan 15, 2019
2 min read

Updated: Jan 17, 2019

Carbohydrates form the foundation of a healthy diet, providing a readily available source of energy

Carbohydrates are compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and are generally classified as simple of complex, depending on their structure. Carbohydrates are obtained form grains, bread, rice, and pasta, as well as from fruits, vegetables, pulses, and dairy products.

#food #energy

Choose The Right Carbohydrates

Some carbohydrates are really good sources of energy and nutrients, but others are a waste of calories. So which are the best carbohydrates, and how should you choose them?

The health benefits of complex carbohydrates are well established. These are found in nearly of all foods of plant origin- grains, vegetables, and pulses- which also contain valuable nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, proteins, and fibre, in addition to providing a good source of energy for the body.

Example:

1) Choose wholemeal bread and pasta and whole, unrefined grains and cereals to form the foundation of your diet.

2) Limit your consumption of refined products such as cakes, biscuits, and sweets, and also of sweetened drinks.(sugar also part of carbohydrates)

3) Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables(skin on when possible), raw or cooked for a minimum time. (overcook course nutrients lost)

#Fruits & #vegetables also part of #carbohydrates family

Why Do We Need Them?

Carbohydrates provide energy for all the body's activities. As they are digested, carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, such as glucose. Glucose supplies energy for most of the body's activities, and in some cells and tissues such as red blood cells and the brain it is the sole source of energy.

Carbohydrates are needed for building the non-essential amino acids that the body uses to create proteins. They also help in the processing of fat and in the building of cartilage, bone, and tissues of the nervous system.