In the world of health and fitness, no other food items are creating quite a stir than those that contain carbs, sugar, and gluten. People are often told to stay away from these nutrients or substances if they want to achieve and maintain optimum health.
But is it right to remove these nutrients from your diet? Or are there certain truths that many do not know about? Here are the top 5 questions that people have about sugar, gluten, and carbs.
1. What are Carbs?
Carbs are big molecules of nutrients that provide energy to the body. The cells in the human body require fuel to help them function in an efficient manner.
This fuel sustains the vital processes of the different organs of the body, such as the brain, the heart, the lungs, and many more. Carbs also allow us to move and enjoy the things we do. This allows us to lead normal lives.
2. Should I Avoid Carbs in My Diet?
It is not a good idea to remove any macronutrient like carbs, proteins, and fats from the diet. Some carbs also contain fibre that is good for digestion. Many also contain vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.
If these micronutrients are not found in the diet, it can lead to the development of osteoporosis, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
3. What Carbs Should I Include in My Diet?
There are two main types of carbs: simple and complex. Simple carbs are rapidly processed by the body, providing it with an instant energy source. This can increase the level of sugar in the blood, causing the body to increase its production and release of insulin. The sudden increase in insulin can also bring a host of health problems.
Complex carbs, on the other hand, take a lot longer to digest. This means there is no sudden surge of sugar in the blood. It also promotes healthier insulin release. This makes complex carbs a lot healthier than simple carbs.
4. What about Sugar? Why is it a Big No-no in Healthy Diets?
Sugar is a simple carb. As we already mentioned, simple carbs can increase the level of blood glucose in an instant. Because of the sudden surge in blood sugar, there is a commensurate increase in insulin production. This is in an attempt to lower the blood sugar.
This can produce frequent urination, headaches, increased thirst, fatigue, irritability, feeling of hangover, and blurred vision, among others. For individuals with diabetes, sugar is also a big no-no since the body’s ability to utilise glucose is already compromised.
5. What is Gluten and Why is It Worrying a Lot of People?
Gluten is a substance that is present in wheat and other cereal grains like barley and rye. It is actually composed of several proteins. These proteins can stimulate the immune system of certain individuals, causing an allergic reaction.
For instance, patients with Celiac disease are always advised not to consume gluten-containing food products. It is understandable that people can be wary of carbs, sugar, and gluten. But knowing the right information can help you make better-informed decisions.
