April 2021

To Carb or Not to Carb? That Is the Question

Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches and fibres found in fruits, grains, vegetables and different milk products. Though often rejected in trendy diets, carbohydrates — one of the basic food groups — are important to a healthy life.

Carbohydrates are macronutrients, meaning they are one of the three main ways the body obtains energy, or calories. Our trusty ‘carbs’ are the body's main source of energy.

They are called carbohydrates because, at the chemical level, they contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.

There are three macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein and fats — ALL are essential for proper body functioning.

All macronutrients and fats, must be obtained through diet; the body cannot produce them on its own.

Function of CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates provide : fuel for the central nervous system & energy for working muscles.

They also prevent:

Protein breakdown (Muscle loss) & enable fat metabolism.
Carbs are important for brain function. They are an influence on mood, memory, feeling happy, as well as a quick energy source.

In fact, the RDA of carbohydrates is based on the amount of carbs the brain needs to function.

Jacqui Lewis


BHSc Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine

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