The Carb Connection

[11-07-05]

Being anti-carb is definitely an evil when it comes to healthy functioning of the body. Here are some common errors that we make when we think that avoiding carbohydrates makes us more fit...

Would you put your child on a diet that is devoid of carbohydrates?
No, simply because it is unhealthy for kids. "Then why should any human being be deprived of them?" This statement holds true when we consider the hydrates bring to our body. We don't call them the major building blocks of the body for nothing, you know.

One of the most common myths that we associate with carbohydrate foods such as potatoes is that they are fat-tening. Potatoes are rich energy providers and contain a lot of nutrients. We definitely need them to remain healthy. Carbohydrates are divided into simple carbs, which consist of pastries, cookies and muffins and complex carbs such as whole wheat and multi-grain bread, brown rice, popcorn and rotis. It is important for us to understand that to eat smart, one should concentrate more on the complex carbs and avoid the simple ones.

Research has shown that the body requires 60% of carbohydrate and 20% each of proteins and fats for normal healthy functioning. Therefore, carbohydrate make up more than half of the body's energy resource and hence, completely avoiding them can be detrimental in the long run.

The most common disorders associated with avoiding carbs are constipation, since there is a lack of fiber, mood swings, depression, elevated blood pressure. Sticking to an only protein diet also can be dangerous because excess proteins ultimately convert to fat.

Carbs are the storehouse of energy and if one's physical activity is not up to the mark and is not balanced with theirdiet, then carbs become fat and can be dangerous. Also, one should avoid eating carbs for dinner because they further lower the basal metabolic rate of the body. After that when one sleeps, these carbs reduce into fat and you can never burn them off.

So for all you weight conscious and diet savvy people out there, remember that having a fabulous body may be worth it, but not at the cost of sacrificing your health in the long run. Don't shun your carbs, don't overdo them, just workout and keep those energy levels flowing.