Why Carbs Aren't Your Enemy: Separating Fact from Fiction

Carbs - we seem to have a love/hate relationship with them. They are a controversial topic in the world of nutrition. With so many mixed messages and myths out there, it’s tough to know what to believe. But understanding carbs is important for your overall health and wellbeing. In this post, I’ll debunk some of the common myths and misconceptions, and give you some tips for incorporating them into a healthy diet. Let’s dive right in and get started!

Carbohydrates are one of three macronutrients our bodies need to function properly alongside protein and fat. Macro just means big. Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are needed in much smaller amounts but are still vital for health.

Carbs are the main source of energy for our bodies and are needed for physical activity and brain function. Incorporating healthy sources of carbs can help maintain energy levels, improve cognitive function, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

In recent years carbs have got a bad reputation in popular media and diet culture. Let's take a look at some of those myths together:

Myth #1 -All carbohydrates are bad and should be avoided.

The truth is that not all carbs are created equal. There are three main types of carbohydrates - simple carbs like those found in sugar, complex carbs like those found in whole grains and vegetables and fibre also found in whole grains, fruit and veg.

Simple sugars can spike blood sugar levels and lead to health problems including insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes.

Complex carbs can be very beneficial to health, as long as you make the right choices - whole grains over white processed varieties, whole fruit instead of fruit juice.