Although carbohydrates have recently received a lot of bad publicity, they are a very important part of a healthy eating plan. Carbohydrates supply the major fuel for all of your body's cells and the only source of energy for your brain and red blood cells.
According to Health Canada, approximately 45-65 per cent of the foods that you eat should come from this category.
Understanding Balance
The key to stable blood sugar, energy and fat burning is how rapidly the carbohydrates you eat enter your blood stream. If they rush in by eating too many simple sugars, for example sugary sodas, you will have excess glucose (sugar) in your blood stream. Your pancreas reacts by secreting insulin, which blocks your body's ability to burn body fat and converts all excess blood sugar into blood fats and stores them in your fat cells (causing you to gain weight!). Your blood sugar then plummets, which triggers your body to release cortisol, a destructive hormone that suppresses your immune system, encourages fat storage, accelerates brain aging and breaks down your muscles and bones. Excess insulin causes you to store fat, become less able to focus and more hungry. Because your brain is totally dependant on glucose, your brain is now starving.
By consuming lean proteins with carbohydrates, the conversion into glucose in your blood stream will be slowed, keeping your blood sugar stable and controlling the release of insulin.
Because your blood sugar is stable and your insulin levels are low, your body is geared to burn fat rather than store fat. Because your brain is being fed consistently with the right amount of glucose, you think more quickly and clearly. Your emotions become more stable because you are not on a sugar roller coaster and your immune system is boosted. You will no longer crave sugar and carbohydrates, eliminating compulsive overeating.
SOURCE: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
