With keto diets on the rise, carbohydrates are seen as the demon of our diets and we’re constantly look for ways to cut them from our plates. The truth however is that we need carbohydrates in the right amounts for our health to thrive. This important macronutrient is the main player that the body needs for energy, hormone balance, brain health and exercise recovery. Carbohydrates aren’t something to be feared but we do need two balance them in right quantities (anywhere from 40%-60% of the energy from our diets) as overeating this starchy food group can lead to weight gain, sluggishness and put us at risk of insulin resistance which leads to type 2 diabetes.
Dietary carbs are broken down into glucose and then stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for readily available fuel. There are two types of carbs - simple carbohydrates are found in biscuits, cakes and white bread and these are quickly digested and converted into glucose. The other carbohydrate category is ‘complex’ carbohydrates which are fibrous wholegrains such as grains, lentils, beans along with fruits and vegetables and these move through the body at a slower rate, keeping you fuller for longer.
