Carbohydrates are one of those sneaky culprits that cause weight gain and increased diabetic levels. Almost every diet out there advises you to either consume low-carb foods, or remove carbs altogether in order to reach your desired weight and health. Nutritionists and dieticians frequently mention the hidden dangers of carbs and advise not to consume too many of them.
Although some carbs are allowed when following a balanced and healthy diet, if you are trying to lose extra pounds then you need to drastically cut back on carbs. Although carbohydrates provide you with extra energy, that energy is quickly converted into sugars that affect our bloodstream directly.
Good Carbs vs. Bad Carbs
Before we delve into the hidden dangers of carbs let’s first look into the different types of carbs. Just as there are good and bad cholesterols, there are also good/complex carbohydrates and bad/fattening carbohydrates.
Good carbs (complex carbs) are derived from foods that take longer to digest and don’t create any spike in the glucose levels in the blood. These carbs include fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, pure oats), nuts and seeds etc. They contain nutrients that are highly beneficial for the body and make you feel fuller for longer hours.
Bad carbs are found in processed foods – especially white foods – such as white rice, cakes, cookies, buns, breads, pastries, and white pasta. These carbs are processed grains that immediately spike your blood sugar levels and are often high in calories as well. Not only do bad carbs cause you to gain weight, you can also become addicted to them as well.
Carbs Cause Nutrient Deficiencies
Did you know that processed carbohydrates require a lot of Vitamin B in order to be digested? Eating too many bad carbs can cause your body to be deprived of essential B vitamins. People who are deficient in B vitamins are at risk of memory loss, heart problems, vision loss, and insomnia. Therefore, if you have to eat a carbohydrate-based food, choose a carb that is unrefined and unprocessed because they contain their own B vitamins that help them get digested.
Carbs Make You Gain Weight
Studies show that foods high in fats don’t necessarily make people gain weight, but foods high in sugars, starch, and carbs pack on the pounds immediately. In fact, there are many high-fat based diets that allow high-fat foods, but cut out carbohydrates. People in impoverished countries who are malnourished and underweight are given high-carb based foods in order to regain their weight. And have you have ever wondered why cows are so big and fat? They are corn fed!
Carbs Can Cause Diabetes
The hidden dangers of carbs also include the possibility of contributing to adult- onset diabetes. Carbs increase the risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes because they raise your glucose and insulin levels. If you don’t want blood sugar spikes, then stay away from processed carbs.
Therefore, if you are interested in staying healthy and slim, cut-back on your carb in-take. It’s one of the fastest ways to lose weight and get back to a healthy lifestyle.
