Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle.
Many people might assume that cutting out carbohydrates altogether is the key to being healthy and reducing caloric intake; however, this could not be further from the truth.
In fact, eating some types of carbs can benefit your overall health as they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help you feel full for longer periods while providing sustained energy throughout the day — it’s all about making sure you select good carbohydrate sources.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the top 5 reasons why adding some carbs into your daily diet plan may be beneficial for both short- and long-term health goals.
- Keeps Body Energetic
Carbohydrates are the principal energy source for our bodies, as they’re converted to glucose – which powers many essential processes like respiration and movement.
Glucose is also instrumental in producing ATP – the body’s fundamental currency that enables numerous biochemical activities.
Even though proteins and fats play roles too, carbohydrates remain paramount when it comes to keeping ourselves energized; a meal comprising complex carbs such as beans, sweet potatoes, or whole grains can help combat sluggishness while avoiding simple sugars may be prudent, so blood sugar levels do not plummet unexpectedly.
- Aids In Digestion
Another reason you shouldn’t be afraid of carbs and consider them one of your best mates is that they aid digestion.
Eating natural carb foods is not just a delicious part of your diet but also beneficial for optimal intestinal health.
High in dietary fiber, these kinds of food help with effective removal and passage through the digestive system – shortening duration to reduce discomfort from bloating or constipation.
There are also additional benefits; regular bowel movements can diminish symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) whilst reducing risk factors linked to colon cancer formation.
As a bonus, nutritionists recommend including at least 25-30g daily into your daily diet plan.
- Fuel Your Brain
One of the many reasons why you should include carbs in your diet is that they can fuel your brain in the most ingenious manner possible.
Consuming carbohydrates is essential to maintain a healthy brain.
The glucose they provide fuels the organ and helps it function correctly, preventing cognitive issues such as short-term memory loss, foggy thinking, and learning difficulties that may occur with low levels of this nutritional element in our body.
In other words, adding carbs to your diet can become an invaluable aid for your mental performance.
- Cuts The Risk Of Cancer
Oncologists have uncovered a daunting link between regular sugary processed carbs and soda consumption and tripled prostate cancer risk.
Inversely, research indicates that diets rich in slow carbohydrates such as beans, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables reduce breast cancer occurrence by 37%.
The effects are attributed to high insulin levels caused by sugars, which promote obesity. Conversely, these foods provide antioxidants with benefits for lung health plus contain sulforaphane, known to lessen risks associated with bowel cancers.
Therefore, if you wish to take proactive steps in protecting your health, it may be wise to consider swapping out those processed carbohydrates for more nutritious alternatives.
- Promotes Better Sleep
You may be astonished to know about it, but eating good carbohydrates can significantly help promote better sleep.
Carbohydrates have scientifically been found to promote sleep by boosting serotonin production. This is due to the release of insulin, which increases tryptophan and counteracts hyperactivation in energizing hypocretin neurons.
It is no surprise that people on low-carb diets often experience greater difficulty when it comes time for restful slumber.
If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, consider trading in that sugary snack for a glass of warm milk.
Tryptophan and melatonin – two naturally occurring chemicals found in milk — can induce feelings of relaxation to help get your body ready for some restful sleep.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know the facts about carbs, don’t be afraid to add them back into your diet.
Carbs are an important macronutrient that provides energy and essential nutrients. You can improve your overall health and well-being by ensuring you’re getting enough carbs.
Are you a health-conscious individual who is looking to add more carbs to your diet? What are some of your favorite carb-rich foods?
