To be healthy and in good shape, our body needs a variety of foods to give us energy and supply us with the vitamins, minerals and other substances we need. We can divide foods into four main groups – proteins, carbohydrates, fats and raw fruit and vegetables.
The carbohydrate group includes all grains, potatoes, corn, sugar and confectionery. Although fruit are a separate group, some of them have high levels of fructose, which requires caution with their consumption.
The most important types of carbohydrates are starches and sugars, which are the main source of energy for our body. During digestion, they break down into glucose and supply the brain and central nervous system with energy.
Despite the importance of carbohydrates for the proper functioning of our body, their intake should be moderate. Consuming a lot of carbohydrates leads to serious risks to our health such as increasing our weight, increasing blood sugar, increasing the risk of diabetes. Therefore, we must be careful with the amount of carbohydrates we intake daily.
The foods with the highest carbohydrate content are glucose, all types of sugar, honey, molasses, wheat and corn flour, corn starch, jam, chocolates, candies and ice cream and other confectionery such as cakes, halva, sweet drinks, spaghetti, macaroni and other types of pasta.
With the highest carbohydrate content among fruit are bananas, grapes, apples, pears, oranges, melons, peaches, dried fruit and among vegetables are white potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn and peas. Different types of rice, beans and lentils are also high in carbohydrates.
To work properly and to be healthy, our body needs carbohydrates. They are the main source of fuel for our body. Carbohydrate intake in moderation will help us feel good.
Experts advise focusing on low-carb foods by replacing sugary products with fruit, drinking freshly squeezed juices instead of store bought juices and other sweetened beverages and replacing white flour with whole grain flour.
Read more about complex carbohydrates and what simple carbohydrates are.
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