Carbohydrates, known as starches and sugars, are our body's main energy source. There are two basic types of carbohydrates simple and complex.
Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are found in foods made with sugar, such as candy, soda, and other sweets. It is also found in highly processed foods such as white flour, white rice, and pasta made from white flour. Fruits are also classified as simple carbohydrates but they have and are very benefical to the body.
Such carbohydrates releases the energy very quickly giving the system a sudden shot of energy and raising the blood sugar very rapidly. This form of carbohydrate has very little or no fiber so it takes a longer time to go through the digestive system. It stays in the intestines and stick to the walls, especially of the large intestines or the colon, and causes constipation; also a harborage for bacteria, worms and other parasites. As these microbes feed on the accumulation of fecal matter they give off gas and toxins; as the toxin accumulate in the colon it is absorbed into the blood stream and autointoxication (self poisoning) occurs.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates include legumes, grains and starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, peas and corn. Unrefined products, such as brown rice, whole wheat flour and pasta are what we should eat. Complex carbohydrates releases energy slowly over time, thus give the body the energy it needs when it needs it instead of a sudden rush of energy like simple carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrate has fiber which cause the remains of the digestive process to go through the body at a faster rate and eliminate the clogging of the colon.
Carbohydrate is the cleanest source of energy for the body. That is when it burns it does not leave a lot of residue like protein.
It is recommended that "45 to 65 percent of our daily calories come from carbohydrates. Based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet, this amounts to about 225 to 325 gram a day. Emphasize complex carbohydrates, especially from whole grains, beans and nutrient-rich fruits. Limit added sugars from candy and other sweets" (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009).
Monday, June 7, 2010
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James, Sorry I re posted your blog for you, I was anxious to view our blog for this week. When ever you post your post on the Blog post, remember to type it out with the HTTP:// before it, and to hit enter after you type it on a word doc or that it shows up in a "light blue" color, thus meaning it's not a hyper link. Then I usually just copy & paste it over to the Blog posting site.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post I realize I need to eat more complex sugars, instead for reaching for the quick sugar fix.
It also helps to make sure bowels are regular, because a slow digestive system or an eliminating of waste also slows you down a lot.