Are carbs really your weight-loss enemy? Here is what you need to know about the fuel of your body
Very often we hear people who are trying to lose weight that they are cutting down on their carbs consumption. The internet and the fitness world has been divided on that opinion for a long time, so much so that there are hashtags with #TeamCarbs trending on social media every now and then. Various weight loss diets like the Keto diet also advocate the consumption of fewer or no carbs at all.
However, there are a few fitness experts who claim otherwise. They say that carbs are really not your enemy when it comes to weight loss, and cutting them off completely from your diet can do more harm than good. Here is a detailed analysis of if you should or should not cut carbs from your diet.
What is the role of carbs in your body?
Carbohydrates are the fuel of your body. They are the nutrients the body naturally burns for energy to move, walk, run, etc. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is then used as energy for the body.
Carbohydrates also preserve muscle. When there is an absence of carbs in your diet, leading to an absence of the preferred source of energy, the body starts to burn the muscle for energy, by breaking it down into amino acids.
Other functions of carbs include keeping the digestive system healthy, promoting heart health, and reducing the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
The truth about carbs – Are carbs really that bad for you?
While we often hear how carbs are bad for us and we should not consume too much of them, what we fail to understand is that carbs can be of many types, depending on the sources, and not all of them may be good, while not all of them may be bad either.
According to NHS, carbohydrates a broad category and not all carbs are the same. It's the type, quality and quantity of carbohydrate in our diet that's important.
Certain carbs, for instance, like the ones received from whole foods are good for the body, and may in fact, help in weight loss.
Other research and experts also second the opinion. Carbs from healthy foods such as pulses, whole foods, fibre, natural sugar sources, starch sources, etc are healthy, and should not be cut off from your diet completely. However, carbs from sources such as white bread, white rice, processed foods, etc can lead to weight gain, and may also lead to a rise in the risk of diseases.
How many carbs should you eat in a day?
According to experts, 1/3rd of your diet should consist of carb sources such as foods rich in starch or natural sugar. You can include whole foods, and fibre-rich foods in your diet to stay healthy, keep unintended weight gain at bay, and reduce risk of diseases. The bottom line is, while carbs are not all that bad for you, moderation in consumption, and the right sources of the nutrient are key in regulating weight, and staying healthy.