Carbohydrates – Which are good for our health?
The word „carbohydrates“ is more commonly used in the health industry today. Good carbohydrates, bad carbohydrates, low carbohydrate and high carbohydrate diets are just some of the many trends.
So, what is the truth about carbohydrates?
While the amount of carbohydrates needed depends on the person and their lifestyle, healthy carbohydrate-rich foods are an essential part of a balanced diet.
Complex carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are found in healthy foods like quinoa, sweet potatoes and brown rice. Aside from carbohydrates, these foods are filled with vitamins, nutrients and fiber.
These are all important nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and strong. The carbohydrates in these foods, which are healthy, work with your body to keep you full and provide long-lasting energy.
Adding whole foods with complex carbohydrates to your diet will give you the energy boost you need.
Foods rich in carbohydrates
Andean millet
In recent years, quinoa has quickly become one of the most popular natural foods in the world.
And for good reason – it’s fantastic! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, high in protein and full of complex carbohydrates.
It’s also one of the few plant-based foods that contains abundant amounts of all nine essential amino acids.
One of our favorite ancient grains, quinoa, has a delicious nutty flavor when used in pilafs, salads, stir fries and soups.
Because quinoa is naturally gluten-free, it is an ideal food for people on gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian diets.
Would you like to cook with quinoa today? Use it to make these delicious quinoa sliders. To make these burgers easily gluten-free, choose gluten-free buns and toppings.
Oats
Oats are one of the healthiest grains out there. They are gluten-free, a great source of vitamins and nutrients, and full of health benefits.
Oats come in several varieties, including groats, crushed oats, steel-cut oats and instant oats.
While it is usually eaten porridge-like for breakfast, there are a variety of different lunch, dinner and dessert dishes that oats can be used in.
Oats are often found in muffins, granola bars and cookies and are the perfect addition to your baked goods.
Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are a starchy, sweet-tasting root vegetable. Their naturally sweet taste makes most people consider this vegetable a dessert ingredient.
However, there are many different ways you can incorporate sweet potatoes into your diet. In addition to being versatile, sweet potatoes are also extremely nutritious.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A and contain complex carbohydrates that provide your body with energy for longer periods of time.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is an incredibly nutritious whole grain and a superfood that can have a positive impact on your health.
It’s made from the hulled seeds of the buckwheat plant and is a good source of protein, fiber and energy.
This super grain is also rich in healthy carbohydrates and naturally gluten-free! All of these incredible factors make it the perfect grain for anyone with a gluten sensitivity.
Organic buckwheat can easily be added to recipes such as soups and salads to increase nutritional value.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas as a healing legume, are an incredible source of fiber, protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.
A popular and versatile seed, they are often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan recipes.
You may know chickpeas as your favorite salad or as the main ingredient in hummus – a popular Mediterranean dip!
Corn
When corn is cooked to perfection and seasoned with spices, it’s a deliciously healthy treat. With low-carb diets on the rise, many people are wondering if corn is good for you.
Although corn contains more carbohydrates than other hearty vegetables, it is full of complex carbohydrates. So if you’re not on a low-carb diet, corn is a great vegetable to eat.
Brown rice
The most commonly purchased type of rice is white rice. While this grain serves as a good base for many starters and entrees, it is highly processed.
The heavy processing of white rice strips it of its nutrients and healthy carbohydrates. What’s left? A grain full of sugar.
Buy brown rice instead for a healthier alternative to white rice. Brown rice is far more nutritious and a tasty grain with many health benefits.
Since brown rice requires it to take longer to cook, we recommend purchasing a rice stove or pressure stove. This speeds up cooking time and creates a perfect rice dish.
Lentils
If you’ve tried chickpeas and aren’t an avid fan, don’t give up on legumes quite yet. Lentils are an underrated legume and the perfect addition to any healthy or gluten-free recipe.
Lentils are a tiny round seed that grows in a pod. They come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colors and, like chickpeas, are a staple in Indian cuisine.
They are a valued food in vegan cooking and an excellent source of plant-based protein.
Bulgur
When it comes to healthy carbs, bulgur might be at the top of the list! A diet rich in complex carbohydrates can help provide long-lasting energy.
Healthy carbohydrates help you stay full longer. It means you can resist cravings better. Bulgur is a fluffy and filling grain that offers a delicious nutty flavor.
Its pleasant taste makes it easy to use in both sweet and savory recipes. Try this nutrient-rich bulgur pilaf for a delicious bulgur dish.
We hope this list of healthy carbohydrate-rich foods has helped you better understand this vital micronutrient.
Although carbohydrates are found in almost all foods, it’s important to fill your diet with complex carbohydrates. These are included in whole foods are.
While simple carbohydrates are fine in moderation, a diet high in bad carbs can have negative effects on your health.
Limit or avoid high carbohydrate foods
For a healthy diet, people should limit or avoid refined carbohydrates with little or no nutritional content. These high carbohydrate foods include:
– Sweets,
– Sugary breakfast cereals,
– White pasta,
– White bread,
– White rice,
– Cookies, muffins and other baked goods,
– Flavored and sweetened yogurt,
– potato chips,
– Sugar juices,
– sodas,
– Foods and beverages high in fructose corn syrup,
– Foods and beverages high in refined sugars,
– processed foods.
Conclusion
When it comes to carbohydrates, the rule of thumb is to choose whole foods and avoid processed and refined carbohydrates.
Whole foods high in carbohydrates generally provide many important nutrients and health benefits to the body.
People with a specific health problem should talk to their doctor or a registered dietitian to determine which high-carbohydrate foods are right for them.