Normally carbohydrates and sugar are found in all foods except meat products. Recently, some diets have recommended stripping out all carbohydrates from what you eat. Many companies have bought into this and among other things, have introduced low-carb breads. Limiting bad carbohydrates such as sugar from your diet is a positive step but going further and refusing to eat fruits and whole grains can deprive you of cancer-fighting foods.
Carbohydrates can be broken down into two main categories; simple and complex. Sodas, candy, and fruits contain simple sugars while whole grains, fruits, and cereals contain complex carbs. The main difference between the two groups is their chemical structures. Simple sugars are made up of a few sugar molecules while complex carbs are made up of hundreds and even thousands of these molecules put together. In your body, the end product of both is glucose.
Another difference between the two is the time needed to digest. If you consume 100 calories of simple sugars, your body can digest it a lot faster than if you eat the same amount of calories that are made of complex carbs. This is because simple sugars are closer to the end product than complex carbs which need more time to digest. Therefore if you take a meal of simple sugars, you will be hungrier sooner than if you ate a meal made of complex carbs. Consuming soda and eating candy can add up to many calories at the end of the day.
Studies have shown that carbohydrates and sugar contribute to obesity and diabetes, especially in children. It has also been shown that eating good carbs can shield you from many types of cancers. So next time you pick up the magazine about the newest low-carb claim, throw it away and grab an apple. Limit your carbohydrates and sugar today.
