Carbs are an essential part of any diet. After all, it’s what gives us energy and the strength to go through an entire day. The most common carb is white bread, but many people have already dropped it for several reasons, such as unsatisfactory or just too plain for the taste.
Luckily, there are other carbs that you can get as a part of your diet. What many people don’t know is that not all carbs are the same, and some are, in fact, unhealthier than others.
What exactly are the carbs you should eat, and what carbs should you avoid? In this article, we’ll shed light on the matter. Read on below to learn more.
The Best Carbs to Eat
#1: Oats
Some might say that oats are the superior carb of all time, even more so than bread. Oats are cereal grains that are less processed, which gives them higher nutritional content.
Oats are also packed with magnesium, protein, zinc, and vitamin Bs. Additionally, oats also contain soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood cholesterol levels. When paired with other healthy food such as low-fat milk and cinnamon, it’s tasty and healthy.
#2: Quinoa
Quinoa is unheard of until fairly recently. Quinoa boasts high protein levels, and its nutritional value rivals that of brown rice. Generally, quinoa is an excellent addition to other healthy food, such as salads.
It’s also gluten-free and contains iron, zinc, magnesium, and fiber. Quinoa is a worthy addition to a diet for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. However, the ideal serving size of quinoa is a mere ½ cup.
#3: Legumes
Food under the legumes category includes beans, lentils, soybeans, and green peas, to name a few. Despite their size, legumes are a good source of fiber, iron, protein, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. For this reason, legumes are also referred to as the protein of vegetarians.
#4: Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are also another carb powerhouse. Sweet potatoes are packed with lots of nutrients, such as magnesium, fiber, vitamins B6, C, and E. Additionally, sweet potatoes also contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant converted into vitamin A by the body.
Carbs to Avoid at All Costs
#1: White Rice
While it’s a staple for some people, too much white rice is something that you must avoid. White rice is heavily processed, and the processing itself removes many nutrients as a result.
It also contains high levels of sugar, which can be detrimental if you’re trying to lose weight. Additionally, the sugar content of white rice also contributes to higher blood sugar levels.
#2: Mashed Potato
In this context, mashed potato refers to potato that’s mashed, and it doesn’t apply to every potato ever.
A cooked potato with its skin intact can still give you nutrients, but it’s another story if it’s peeled and mashed. Mashed potato has increased fat, and the exposed potato itself also has high sugar levels.
#3: Flaked or Puffed Cereals
These cereals are heavily processed, which essentially removes a lot of the necessary nutrients that carbs could offer. They also contain high amounts of sugar, which is also unhealthy. To know whether a cereal is good for you or not, look for something that says it’s whole-grain.
Conclusion
Carbohydrates give us energy, so it stands to reason that the carbs we eat are healthy as well—but only to an extent! You’ll want to consume only the beneficial type, ensuring that you get nothing but positive benefits because we’re getting energy and necessary nutrients for a more balanced and healthy living.
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