The first thing we think of when someone mentions a healthy diet is avoiding carbohydrates. It's a common misconception that eating carbohydrates can make you gain weight, increase your cholesterol levels, slow down your metabolism, and cause other issues. We may not fully disagree, but it's crucial to keep in mind that a balanced diet must include carbohydrates.
Starting off, let's define carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients that the body requires each day, along with fat and protein. For the uninitiated, starch, fibre, and sugar are the three basic categories of essential carbohydrate compounds. And if you look closely, you'll see that these components are found in almost all of the foods we eat. Starch can be found in dal, potatoes, and maize, but natural sugar can be found in fruits, milk, and other foods. This means that in addition to protein, our body also requires carbohydrates to function effectively. "Carbohydrates assist us to acquire adequate nourishment and attain a healthy body and mind," says nutritionist Nidhi Nigam.
Here's why you should never stop eating carbohydrates:
Aids in weight loss
Contrary to popular belief, healthy carbohydrates may actually aid in weight loss. Our body requires fibre and complex carbohydrates to improve digestion. Complex carbohydrates also help us feel fuller for longer. These two elements support weight loss.
Boost your heart health
According to a post on Sutter Health, as long as you choose a range of whole, minimally processed carbohydrates in moderation, they are not detrimental to the heart. In fact, the soluble fibre, when consumed intentionally, aids in controlling the body's cholesterol levels, further promoting heart health.
Improves cognitive health
Researchers at Tufts University discovered that a low-carb diet has an impact on people's working and spatial memories. To maintain a strong mind, they advised consuming nutritious carbohydrates in daily meals.
Energy booster
Nidhi Nigam, a dietitian, claims that carbohydrates provide our bodies with the energy they need to carry out their daily functions. Together with proteins and essential fats, carbohydrates are a macronutrient that powers the nervous system. Insulin is used to help glucose enter the cells of the body. The body uses glucose as an energy source. Glucose fuels your activities, whether it's going for a jog or simply breathing and thinking.
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Additionally, nutritionist Nidhi says that carbohydrates have a protein-sparing impact, which allows the protein to help our bodies develop muscles, prevent wear and tear, and repair tissue. They force the body to resort to glycogen for energy rather than break down muscle tissue. Post-workout carbohydrate consumption can stop muscle tears and promote muscular growth.
