Carbohydrates and Health

Introduction

Carbohydrates are needed by the body.  Choosing high fiber types of carbohydrate foods is very beneficial to the body and aids in disease prevention.  Having a primarily plant-based diet allows for the maintenance of good health as it supports a good microbiome.

Categories of Carbohydrates

Simple (Sugars and Fruits)

Choosing whole fruits because they contain fiber and other nutrients is a good choice for health.  Using sweeteners that have some fiber and nutritional value is beneficial as well.  The items below are good substitution examples for other carbohydrate choices that are not the best choice.

Instead of this…                                                                                  Choose this one because it has fiber.

Whole fruit is a better snack or meal choice because of its fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  Fruit juice should be limited to 1/2 cup per day because it is missing the fiber.

Complex Carbohydrates (Breads, Cereals, Vegetables…)

Whole grains provide fiber for good health in addition to many vitamins and minerals.  They also help with satiety or the feeling of fullness and digestive health.

Instead of this…                                                                                            Choose this because it contains fiber.

Instead of this…                                                                                             Choose this because it has fiber.