When one starts talking about carbohydrates, one has to think of the body as a chemical processing plant. Numerous chemicals and compounds are taken in, processed and broken up through various types of reactions for absorption and energy, and then distributed throughout the body for immediate use or to be stored for later use.

Carbohydrates are the most common energy source for the human body. Broken down chemically, it consists of organic molecules in which carbon, hydrogen and oxygen bond together. Plants (potato, rice, corn etc) manufacture carbohydrates during photosynthesis. (This is the process where the plant harvests energy from sunlight). The body breaks down these carbohydrates during the metabolism process, for the release of this precious energy.

The process of modern food production has changed the way we consume them, along with the modern knowledge we now possess on foods and nutrients. No more rice, potato and red meat (as my granny used to cook every day), but a more even nutritional spread of salad and vegetables, protein (red meat, chicken, fish etc.) and carbs.

Hi- or Low-Carbs?

There are two types of carbohydrates, simple (monosaccharide’s) and complex (polysaccharides). Simple carbs can be found in fruits, dairy products, processed and refined foods (like white sugar, white bread, pasta etc.) These carbohydrates are more easily digested by the body.

Complex carbs take longer for the body to digest and can be found in vegetables, whole grain breads and pastas, brown rice etc. The refining process of some foods like rice, removes some of the grain’s fibre and nutrients. A bowl of whole grain cereal will fill you quicker and sustain you with longer lasting energy than a bowl of sugar packed cereal, due to the way the body processes and uses carbohydrates.

As far as diets go, there’s not much long term difference between a low carb diet and a low fat diet. Rather choose healthy carbohydrate sources, with sustainable energy to add to your diet. Like whole grains, legumes, fruits & vegetables and avoid high sugar sweetened foods. Nano 350 Weight Management also assists the body in controlling blood sugar levels, and spreads out energy consumption more evenly, which in return suppresses appetite.

What does the body do with carbs?

The liver digests carbohydrates by breaking them down to simple sugars like glucose, which stimulates the production of insulin in the pancreas. The function of insulin is to get the sugar into the body’s cells to be used as energy. The two different types of carbs affect the production of insulin differently. Simple carbohydrates spike insulin levels faster and the energy is used quicker (sugar or energy rush). Whereas complex carbohydrates take longer to digest, resulting in longer lasting energy, and less of an insulin reaction in the body.

When too much glucose is produced by the body, its stored in the liver and muscles for later use. This is called glycogen and is used for short bursts of energy when needed by the body. Left over or unused glycogen is stored as fat. For extended periods of exercise (like a strenuous workout or long distance run) the body will.

What type of carbohydrate is better for me?

Like anything and everything we decide to add to our daily diet, it needs to be in moderation. The body needs certain amounts of carbohydrates to function properly. An insufficient intake may cause fatigue, muscle cramps and poor concentration. Although carbohydrates are an important part of our diets, the body can produce energy from stored fat and proteins. While this is only recommended for short periods of time, avoiding all carbs will adversely affect your health. Low-carb diets have been touted as healthy, but if taken to the extreme, they can be dangerous to your overall well-being. Remember that low-carb doesn‟t mean “no-carb”. Be sure to eat the good carbs.