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Real and Fake Carbohydrates
What's the big difference?
Carbohydrate foods, commonly referred to as starches and sugars (dextrins), are the major source of chemical energy fuel for the human body. They are the most abundant compounds found in nature, and they are essential for maintaining good health.
On average, about 60% of the total food intake consists of carbohydrates. In the United States, that translates to an intake of about 350 to 500 grams per day, which is 350,000 to 500,000 milligrams per person per day. That represents the actual average quantity being consumed - it's not the amount that is suggested for an active healthy individual.
Compare that to the average of 50 to 80 grams of protein required each day, or approximately 100 grams of lipids (oils and fats).
There are four (4) calories per gram of carbohydrates. Virtually 100% of all the carbohydrates consumed end up as sugar in the blood (glucose). How rapidly starches and sugars impact blood sugar levels depends on their form, simple or complex, when they are ingested.
In the metabolism, glucose is controlled and regulated by insulin, which either "burns" it for energy or converts it to a saturated fat (Stearic Acid) and then to triglycerides for storage in fat depots (adipose).
Everyone has a limited capacity for the total amount of food they can eat at a "sitting" and throughout a whole day. If that boundary is reached, or exceeded, with useless material that is high-calorie but devoid of nutrients, it defrauds the body of important and worthwhile foodstuffs.
Such "junk" food may tantalize the taste buds, but it clearly doesn't support the health of the functions and structures of the body.
Every forkful or spoonful or bite of food should contribute a maximum nutrient value. That's called "nutrition density".
The "authentic" (complex, high-fiber and nutrient-dense) carbohydrates are vegetables*, fresh fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and very moderate amounts (for some) of natural sweeteners that are unrefined and not concentrated.
The carbohydrates that are imposters and deceivers and traitors of good nutrition - and the main offensive "flab factors" - are refined white sugar and bleached white flour and white rice and all the products made with them. That includes a long list of breads, cakes, cookies, rolls, donuts, pastries, ice cream, candy, "soft" drinks, heat-and-serve meals, fast-cooking ready-to-eat dishes, etc., etc., etc.
Someone once said the list of carbohydrate "no nos" goes on ad infinitum, ad nauseam (forever and causes nausea). Is it any wonder the incidence and degree of obesity and overweight keeps increasing, as does the number and frequency of other nutrition-related diseases?
The body and mind need to be habitually and generously compensated for all the energy they use to meet the incessant demands and carry out the myriad tasks expected of them day after day, hour by hour, minute by minute, and second by second. They can't (and won't) work for "free".
Each body is compelled to rely on its personal "owner"/steward for all the provisions it needs to sustain and preserve wellness.
*As a matter of interest, corn is not a vegetable. It is a grain that is used to fatten cattle and hogs!
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