Carbs: friend or foe? The humble carb has gained a reputation for being unhealthy in recent years, blamed as the reason people are piling on unwanted pounds and more besides. So we’ve got to ask: are carbs actually healthy? Are there good carbs and bad carbs? And what should we be eating?
Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet. We need them for our bodies to function properly, they act as an important macronutrient. Why? Because carbs are the body's primary source of energy - helping our brains function properly and to keep us active.
Carbs are found in a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Let’s call these good carbs, complex carbs. They’re broken down more slowly by the body and provide a steady source of energy over a longer period of time. Complex carbs also contain fibre, which can help regulate digestion and lower the risk of certain chronic health problems, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
However, not all carbs are created equal. When people talk about bad ones, they often mean simple carbs, like the ones found in sweets, fizzy drinks, and baked goods. These types of carbs are quickly broken down by the body and can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. This can be harmful, particularly for people with diabetes or insulin resistance. They also cause sugar crashes, which is where your mood can slump, along with your energy levels.
Carbs are an important part of a healthy diet and it's important to choose complex carbs from healthy sources and eat any others in moderation.
At Mindful Chef, you’ll only ever find healthy carbs in our recipes, from sweet potatoes and white potatoes, to delicious whole wheat pastas, brown and wild rice, lentils, quinoa and legumes. To find out more visit mindfulchef.com
Psst. We also carb count for you, which is why if you’re watching your carb intake, you’ll see the amount of carbs in every recipe.
