Published on June 8, 2023
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Carbohydrates do not make you fat.
Carbohydrates are essential for a well-balanced diet and healthy body. They are the body’s preferred energy source and fuel vital organs – including the brain, central nervous system, and kidneys.
Carbohydrates are also an important energy source during exercise. The digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose and the pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin to help glucose move from blood into the cells.
Eating a potato, or some pasta, or any type of carbohydrate-rich food won’t automatically make you fatter. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health recommend that adults should consume 45- 65% of their total daily energy needs (in other words, calories in a day) from carbohydrates.
Some carbohydrates are healthier than others. Carbohydrates with lower glycemic indexes (GI) have a slower and flatter blood glucose response. They take longer to digest and can help us feel full. Lower GI foods are less refined (or processed) such as wholegrains, legumes, and fruit.
If you are on a low-carbohydrate diet, and cutting out large groups of vegetables, fruits, and grains, you may not be getting enough vital nutrients to manage your weight effectively. These types of diets can increase your risk of micronutrient deficiencies and constipation because of their low fiber content.
