All about carbohydrates

Building a varied and nutritionally rich diet is essential for the body to function normally. Achieving physical and mental well-being involves following a series of habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle . To do this, knowing some concepts will allow us to be more familiar with this way of living day to day. Today we are talking about carbohydrates. What are they? What are they for? Do they make you fat? We will tell you everything!

What are they and what are they for?

You've probably heard about carbohydrates a lot. You may even have a vague idea of ​​their function in our body. However, knowing certain details in depth will give you greater knowledge about them, helping you make smarter and more informed decisions. Carbohydrates are macronutrients with a clear main function: to provide the body with the energy it needs to perform on a daily basis. This energy that we provide to the body through carbohydrates is absorbed almost immediately and easily . Together with fats, they are the energy macronutrient par excellence.

When we perform high-intensity activity, the body uses carbohydrates as a means to be able to perform and meet the required demands. Carbohydrates act as fuel to respond to said activity . If there is no fuel, we do not function and cannot meet the demands of the exercise in question. Carbohydrates that are not used are stored in the muscles and liver and, when they are excessive, in adipose tissue.

Carbohydrates, simple and complex

We can distinguish between simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are sugars that are digested quickly and converted into glucose. These can be a good option before or after physical activity, as they provide immediate energy. Fructose, simple carbohydrates naturally present in most fruits and vegetables, provide a beneficial nutritional contribution to the body.

Many people have a misconception about simple carbohydrates. This is because they are popularly associated with the development of certain diseases such as diabetes or cholesterol. Why? There are refined and processed foods that contain simple carbohydrates and that can be harmful to health. Some of them are sugary soft drinks, industrial pastries or, without going any further, common sugar. For this reason, it is necessary that we opt for simple carbohydrates in their healthiest and most nutritious version, instead of ultra-processed ones. In this way we are making smart decisions and choosing those options that bring us health and nutritional richness.

On the other hand, complex carbohydrates are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals . In this case, our body takes longer to assimilate them, thus avoiding spikes in blood sugar. Foods that offer us this type of carbohydrates are potatoes, legumes or whole grains , among others.

Do carbohydrates make you fat?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about carbohydrates. They have a reputation for making you fat, and for this reason many people fear them and end up discarding them. This unfounded and spontaneous decision is not healthy, since carbohydrates have an important function in the body . In conclusion to this common doubt, we could conclude that carbohydrates do not make you fat, but rather excessive daily calorie intake does.

It is essential to lead an active lifestyle in which we dedicate part of the day to exercise. And not just doing it in isolation, but walking whenever possible and choosing alternatives that involve the movement of our body . In this way, we will be able to consume the necessary energy, preventing carbohydrates from ending up being stored in our body as fat. A sedentary life and, consequently, not burning the calories consumed is what can lead to weight gain.

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