For many people who are trying to slim down, in particular those who rely on the wrong pieces of information that can be easily found online, carbohydrates are pure evil. Well, just like fats and cholesterol, there are also healthy carbohydrates.
Turning your back on carbohydrates just because you want to shed off excess pounds is not a good idea. Carbohydrates provide fuel to the muscles and prevent them from being broken down. Carbohydrates are also essential for the metabolism of fatty acids and the regulation of the level of sugar in the blood. Failure to include sufficient amounts of carbohydrates will result in matters such as weakness, lightheadedness, irritability and even muscle wastage!
Rather than ditch carbohydrates all together, what you need to do is get to know some healthy kinds — the ones you should incorporate in your everyday diet to ensure you are enjoying well-balanced meals. Continue reading so that you may have an idea on which sources of carbohydrates are good for you.
Brown Rice
There are many types of rice on the planet, and brown rice is one of the healthiest due to its superb amounts of dietary fiber. Studies have shown that having at least 2 servings of this healthy source of carbohydrates a week can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Brown rice is also packed with magnesium and energy-giving vitamins B2, B3 and B6.
Sweet Potatoes
Other than supplying your body with energy, thanks to their good carbohydrates, sweet potatoes also provide you with impressive amounts of vitamin A necessary for healthy eyes. Including sweet potatoes in the everyday diet is a fantastic idea especially if you are suffering from the likes of obesity, arthritis, asthma, diabetes and stomach ulcers.
Oatmeal
This breakfast and snack time staple is loaded not only with healthy carbohydrates, but also dietary fiber that helps in reducing your risk of constipation, colon cancer and even heart disease. A serving of oatmeal is also ideal for a person with diabetes as it helps regulate blood sugar levels due to the fact that it is digested at a slow rate.
Bananas
A lot of gym buffs snack on bananas to supply their body with energy. You too can benefit from the consumption of bananas whether or not you are into pumping iron because it is loaded with healthy carbohydrates. Bananas are packed with potassium that strengthens the heart, as well as other nutrients like magnesium, manganese and vitamins B6 and C.
Whole Wheat Products
Breads, muffins, crackers, pastas and other food products out of whole wheat bread provide you with the friendly kind of carbohydrates. Needless to say, you should grab them each time you need some energy. Unlike products out of refined starch, the kinds made from whole wheat are high in dietary fiber, making them very good for your heart.
Beans
It’s common knowledge among vegans that beans are an excellent source of proteins for them. Vegan or not, you should make it a habit to add more beans in your diet to ensure you are getting enough healthy carbohydrates. Beans are also excellent sources of potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6 necessary for a healthy nervous system.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Everyone knows that cabbage, spinach, kale, celery, arugula and many other green leafy vegetables supply the body with good amounts of dietary fiber. But did you know that they also contain good carbohydrates? The nicest thing about green leafy vegetables is they supply you with vitamins and minerals without causing your caloric intake to swell.
Berries
If you wish to energize your body without consuming anything with caffeine, simply reach for some berries. These super fruits are phenomenal sources of healthy carbohydrates. As a bonus, munching on them also floods your body with vitamin C, an antioxidant that slows down the process of aging and strengthens your immune system.
