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    Think You Can Discover Good And Bad Carbohydrates? Think Again!

    By Irshad Anwar
    29 Mar'23  5 min read
    Think You Can Discover Good And Bad Carbohydrates? Think Again!
    Synopsis

    With all the talk of carbs, proteins and fats, you must be aware of what is good and bad carbohydrates. Are you really consuming good carbohydrates? How do you know which food has good versus bad carbohydrates? Can carbohydrates lead to addiction, and how can you manage to consume a healthy diet and manage addiction? Read on to know more!

    Think You Can Discover Good And Bad Carbohydrates? Think Again!
    Synopsis

    With all the talk of carbs, proteins and fats, you must be aware of what is good and bad carbohydrates. Are you really consuming good carbohydrates? How do you know which food has good versus bad carbohydrates? Can carbohydrates lead to addiction, and how can you manage to consume a healthy diet and manage addiction? Read on to know more!

    Carbohydrates are one of the main macronutrients required by our body. It is necessary to provide energy. There are various sources which provide carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. Carbohydrates or carbs break down into the simplest form called glucose in the body. Glucose, during cellular respiration, breaks down to release energy. This energy is used by the body to perform its daily activities. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health. The deprivation of carbohydrates can lead to various nutritional disorders.

    Good Carbohydrates vs Bad Carbohydrates

    So, we all now know that carbohydrates are necessary for the body, but excessive consumption of these can cause severe complications. These foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to a short-lived burst of energy followed by a crash. They can also contribute to weight gain and other health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. After knowing this, most people have developed the myth over the period that there are two types of carbohydrates, good and bad. Good carbohydrates are necessary to support proper functioning of the body. However, bad carbohydrates can cause severe damage to the body.

    Often, people suggest that we should avoid bad carbohydrates to remain healthy. All this information holds no scientific evidence in it. Nowadays, people are inclined towards cutting off their wheat, rice and potato intake with the mere notion that carbohydrates are not good.

    There is no good carbohydrate or bad carbohydrates. Those individuals who are managing weight or blood sugar need to give a second thought to their approach. All the carbohydrates we consume, whether they are pasta, rice, refined sugar, cookies, cakes, sugary drinks or fruits, all get converted into a simple sugar called glucose. However, fruits and vegetables provide minerals and vitamins along with carbohydrates. But there are various alternatives to consuming these nutrients as food rich in proteins and fats also provides minerals and vitamins.

    Carbohydrate Addictions

    When doctors ask you to avoid carbohydrate-rich foods, they mean all the food in general. There is no underlying notion that suggests we should avoid bad carbohydrates. Apart from this, carbohydrate is the only nutrient which is connected with addiction in the body.

    The craving of consuming carbohydrates or carbs fulfils all the criteria which are led by the DSM-V (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) suggesting the category of addiction. If you think, one experiencing alcohol addiction is similar to the person experiencing carbohydrate addiction. Then, at many levels, this is true. For example, eating carbs can actually make you want more which is similar to alcohol addiction. However, in a true traditional sense, carbohydrate addiction is not like alcohol addiction where people compulsively substance abuse despite knowing the negative impact it has on your health.

    There are some people who experience extreme cravings to consume carb rich foods. This craving eventually increases the blood sugar in their body abnormally which can cause negative intake.

    Why Do We Crave Carbohydrates?

    Loving food such as chocolates, cakes, pastries, and pasta is not that thing, but everything must be consumed within a limit. Most people who are aware of glucose damaging effects still lose the battle against their craving. What rushes them towards these foods?

    Research suggests that consuming foods which are rich in high carbohydrates can trigger a reaction in the body. It triggers the secretion of a hormone called dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter as well as a hormone which is released by the hypothalamus region of the brain. Dopamine is associated with providing pleasure and reward experience. It makes the person feel happy. The experience felt by the person upon releasing this hormone develops a desire to experience it again by doing an activity which is releasing it.

    Most of us have very happy memories related to the cakes. We feel happy after consuming something sweet. This is all due to dopamine. When people consume food rich in carbohydrates, dopamine is secreted from the brain which promotes the “i’m feeling good” emotion. In most cases, people occasionally consume such food to experience it. Some research suggests that eating foods high in refined carbohydrates is a way to cope with stress or emotions, which can further reinforce the behaviour.

    However, there are people who develop the urge to experience the same reward constantly. This desire changes the behaviour of the person and makes it difficult to limit their consumption on a regular basis.

    There is some debate among experts about whether carbohydrate addiction is a real condition or not. Some people may experience intense cravings for high-carbohydrate foods, especially those that are high in refined sugars, and find it difficult to control their intake of these foods. However, this is not considered a true addiction in the same way as substance abuse.

    Also check - How Does Glucose Damage Your Blood Vessels

    Management Of Consumption

    People who are in need to manage their consumption and limit the glucose level in their bodies should cut off the consumption of carbohydrates completely. There is no good carbohydrate which can help them in managing their situation. Carbohydrate addiction is not due to bad carbohydrates, it is a craving for any form of carbohydrate.

    One of the best ways to control this craving is to change in lifestyle. It is recommended to focus on a balanced and healthy diet that includes a variety of whole, minimally processed foods. People can consume food which has more dietary fibre or they can reduce the quantity of carbohydrates intake of carbohydrates. This can help stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce the likelihood of experiencing intense cravings. Additionally, finding healthy ways to manage stress or emotions. Some of the methods which can contribute to managing stress are yoga, exercise and meditation. Some people also find reading books, listening to music and spending time in nature also soothing to manage stress.

    Also check - Factors That Cause High And Low Blood Pressure

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