Carbohydrates are essential when it comes to providing your body with the essential energy it needs to be productive throughout the day, and while it has gotten mixed reviews in regards to its true benefits, in moderation it can help increase energy levels for workouts and general day to day activities. Carbohydrates can be found in foods such as bread, fruits, vegetables, pasta, and dairy products. Before diving into the benefits of carbohydrates lets explore the different kinds, how they benefit us, and what they actually are.

Carbohydrates are generally any type of food that can get broken down and converted into glucose, which is then turned into energy. Glucose is the primary source of fuel for our body, so it is important to maintain a healthy intake of carbs for the brain since it cannot utilize fat or protein for energy production.

• Simple carbohydrates
  • This type of carbohydrate include sugars that can be found in various foods:
    • Table Sugar
    • Honey
    • Dairy Products
    • Fruit & Fruit Juice
• Complex carbohydrates
  • This type of carbohydrate is starchier, it includes long chains of glucose molecules that can be found in various foods such as:
    • Grain Products
    • Bread
    • Crackers
    • Pasta and rice.
    • Some vegetables such as:
      • Corn
      • Peas
      • White and sweet potatoes
      • Butternut and winter squash

The Difference Between Good Carbs & Bad Carbs

If you are trying to focus on living a better lifestyle, changing your eating habits can be a great start, but it can be even more beneficial to learn more about what our intake is and how it may be affecting our digestion and metabolism in regards to energy absorption! When it comes to good carbs and bad carbs it is not good and back in the generic sense. A good carb is essentially any type of carb that takes longer to be broken down, which results in higher energy output. A bad carb is refined carbohydrates with low fiber, such as items made with white flour and sugar (think of desserts and sweets) and generally results in lower energy absorption.

6 Reasons To Eat More Carbs

1. Carbs  can increase your mood!
   • Studies show that individuals that have a higher intake of carbohydrates experienced less Depression, anxiety, and anger than those who have lower carb intakes
2. Carbs can help prevent weight gain
   • Carbs with high levels of fiber have proven to help keep weight gain in check
3. Carbs can help promote weight loss
   • Similar to preventing weight gain, a higher carb intake can also help to promote weight loss via higher fiber intakes
4. Carbs are good for your heart
   • Carbohydrates can help to reduce cholesterol and increase “good” cholesterol
5. Carbs can help burn fat
   • Simply swapping out generic grains for whole grains can help to trim your waistline and burn off abdominal fat
6. Carbs can improve your memory
   • Low carbohydrates such as oatmeal or bran can help to increase memory and keep your mind sharp!

Call The Italian Catering Experts Today!

Viga specializes in catering for any important event or get together, this includes but is not limited to catering for fundraising events, special events, corporate events, parties & drop-off catering throughout the Greater Boston Area. For more information please visit our contact page, or give us a call at  617.482.1112 to see how we can best serve your next business lunch or corporate event!