Understanding Carbohydrates and Their Crucial Role in Our Diet

Carbs are our body’s preferred source of fuel. Carbs represent energy in the body. A carbohydrate, whether it is a sugar, starch, or fiber, gets broken down to glucose which then goes through a long process to become ATP. AKA ENERGY!! 

Carbs are demonized in society currently for a multitude of reasons but when we take a look at the human body, we understand that these foods were created to fuel our body. 

Types of Carbs:

Sugar- the simplest version of a carbohydrate. The body will be able to break this form down the quickest into “fast-acting” energy

Starch – a complex string of sugar molecules to form a long chain carbohydrate. The body will break this down into glucose, however it takes slightly longer to do so. 

Fiber – insoluble and soluble fibers make up this category. These are the most complex string of sugar molecules. Insoluble fibers are so complex that the human body does not have enzymes to break them down!

What happens when our body does not get enough carbs?

• Brain fog

• Low energy

• Intense hunger and cravings

• Muscle fatigue

• Whole body weakness

• Weakened immune system

• Nutrient deficiencies including B vitamins, zinc, and folate

• Heart health issues

• Electrolyte imbalances

Overall, not intaking enough carbohydrates can be detrimental to your health, life quality, and the ability for you to carry out life activities. 

Are carbs really the enemy? 

Diet culture and the world want to tell us that carbs are what is creating excess body weight however it’s important to look at this from all angles. We would never expect our car to run if we didn’t put enough gas in it, so why do we do this with our bodies?