Carbs...

• Carbohydrates are important part of nutrition. It is the main energy source. Almost 50-60% of daily diet (food intake) consists of carbohydrates (Carbs).1 gram of carb provides 4 kcal.

• Carbs are responsible for providing our body with the energy it needs for normal day to day functioning. Additionally, they play many other important roles :

- Synthesise and form DNA and RNA
- synthesise hormones and fatty acids such as cholesterol.
- Generate powerful antioxidants and protect our cells from damage and ageing.
- Cleanse the body.
- Help hormone and immune functions.
- Regularize bowel movements because of their fibre content.

• There are mainly two types of carbs- simple carbs and complex carbs. In the body, simple carbs gets converted into gllucose faster than complex carbs hence they get absorb quickly into blood and increase the level of blood glucose.

• Sources:

Simple carbs- Sugar, Honey, Jaggery, Processed food, Refined flours (Maida), Fruits, Dry fruits.
Complex carbs- Cereals, Whole Grains, Milk.

• High GI (Glycemic Index) foods get converted to fat quickly and low GI foods have a much better chance of getting utilised for energy instead of getting stored as fat.

[ GI- The glycemic index measures how fast and how much a food raises blood glucose levels. Foods with higher index values raise blood sugar more rapidly than foods with lower glycemic index values do.
High GI (70-100) Carbohydrates which break down quickly during digestion, releasing blood sugar rapidly into the bloodstream – causing marked fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Medium GI (56-69) Carbohydrates which break down moderately during digestion, releasing blood sugar moderately into the bloodstream.

Low GI (0-55) Carbohydrates which break down slowly during digestion, releasing blood sugar gradually into the bloodstream – keeping blood sugar levels steady … and so provide you with the best health benefits.]

• Body can take high GI food only after execise, when body needs instant energy.

• In the absence of carbs, fat can not be utilised for energy.

P.S. Carbs are not FATTENING. It is important to eat lots of carbs in your breakfast because the brain needs fuel right away and carbs are the best source. So make a wise choice of carbs and be energetic.