Why are Carbohydrates Important for a Healthy Body?

Why are Carbohydrates Important for a Healthy Body?

Carbohydrates are molecules that possess atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygens in specific ratios. Usually, carbohydrates are publicized as the components that contribute to increased fat in the body, which makes people eliminate them from their diet. However, the truth is that carbohydrates are crucial for the appropriate functioning of the human body. 

Now, the question is, why are carbohydrates important? Here is an article that highlights the importance and key functions of carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates Provide Energy

The best answer to the question of why do we need carbohydrates is that they are a great source of energy. Yes, you read it right. Carbohydrates provide energy, which makes them an essential part of a sports nutrition diet. When we consume carbohydrates, we provide fuel to our body to function properly at every psychological level.

Most of the carbohydrates that we consume are broken down into glucose, which is taken by our blood cells, organs, and tissues. The energy that is not utilized immediately gets stored in the liver and muscles, and our body uses this energy according to the needs. 

The problem of poor health and weight gain occurs when the consumed carbohydrates are lumped together. Therefore, it is important to consume carbohydrates and other macronutrients like proteins and carbs in proper amounts. 

Other Carbohydrates Health Benefits

benefits of carbohydrates

The benefits of these macronutrients are not limited to the fact that carbohydrates provide energy. Carbohydrates help in weight loss and managing weight goals. There are other carbohydrates health benefits also, which will help you in understanding why carbohydrates are important? Below mentioned are other carbohydrates benefits.

1. Provide Protection Against Certain Disease 

Carbs provide protection to our body against certain diseases like cancer. Complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal are loaded with fiber, and when they are consumed regularly, they help in reducing hypertension. 

Other carbohydrates health benefits include protection against type-2 diabetes and obesity. When good carbohydrates are consumed in proper amounts that help the body in proper functioning. 

2. Helps in Preserving Muscles

When your body does not get sufficient carbohydrates, it starts converting the amino acid present in the muscles into glucose in order to render energy to the brain. Consuming appropriate amounts of carbohydrates helps in preserving muscles.

3. Influence Heart Health

Carbohydrates can be classified as good and bad carbohydrates. Eating sufficient amounts of good cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is beneficial for heart health as it reduces the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, high levels of bad carbohydrates, also known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein), increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. 

Carbs for Health and Fitness

There are two main types of carbohydrates, namely simple and complex. 

Simple Carbohydrates 

Simple carbohydrates comprise sugars that occur naturally in foods like vegetables, milk, and fruits. These cars enter the bloodstream quickly and render rapid energy for the proper functioning of the body. Many athletes and active adults include foods rich in simple carbohydrates in their pre-workout meals. Other simple carbohydrates that are popular for the high nutrient value and antioxidants include:

  • Raw natural honey
  • Yogurt
  • Pomegranate
  • Milk
  • Pure Fruit Juice

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates include starch and fiber. These carbs take a long time to digest before the body can utilize glucose as a source of energy. Many people integrate protein sources with complex carbs in order to prepare for intense training workout sessions. Below mentioned are some of the carbohydrates that are rich in minerals, antioxidants, fibers, and vitamins.

  • Beans
  • Brown rice
  • Legumes 
  • Fruits
  • Wholegrains

Rashmi

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