Clean Carbs - Not all Carbs are your Enemy
Not all carbohydrates are created equal. There are those currently termed “bad carbs” that come from refined white flour and sugar and have a low fiber content like baked goods, white bread, some cereals, and some rice. Don’t despair. There are good carbs out there. While we do not have to eat carbohydrates (our bodies are totally capable of making sugar without us eating it) - if you’d like to enjoy some, choose wisely.
Here are some examples:
Quinoa
This is a seed that looks much like a grain and has been classified as a pseudo-cereal. Cooked it has 21.3% carbs but comes with lots of fiber and protein. It is filled with minerals and plant compounds that are associated with health benefits and, it is gluten free.
Oats
Raw oats are composed of 66% carbs, but 11% is fiber. In fact, it is a soluble fiber called oat beta-glucan. Oats have more protein than most grains and are filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. If going for oats, choose minimally processed, steel cut version.
Buckwheat
This is another pseudo-cereal. It is not related to wheat and has no gluten. Raw buckwheat has 71.5% carbs, but cooked groats only about 20%. It is another grain with lots of minerals and antioxidants plus protein and fiber. If you like soba noodles, they are made from buckwheat.
Sweet Potatoes
High in fiber, sweet potatoes are beta carotene rich with Vitamins A and C. They are filled with nutrients and antioxidants. If you want potatoes, this is the route to choose.
Beets
Also called beetroots, these are underground vegetables that high in fiber and inorganic nitrates. As the nitrates change into nitric oxide, blood pressure is lowered and lowers the risk of several conditions.
Blueberries
Okay, they may stain your teeth, but who can resist blueberries? This is another of those superfoods filled with plant phytonutrients and antioxidants, including Vitamins C and K and manganese. They are around 14.5% carbohydrates but are highly beneficial.
To summarize, even though we do not have to eat carbs per se, whole food (that includes carbohydrates) comes with highly beneficial fiber, phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins. If you want to enjoy carbohydrates, choose wisely to get health benefits along with good taste!
