Why is carbs important for the body

If you are not sure where to start or finding it difficult to manage your weight, seek help from a dietitian. Dietitians can guide you to a healthy way of eating that is based on the latest research and tailored to suit your health and lifestyle. If you choose to follow a low-carbohydrate diet, do not avoid carbohydrates completely — you need some in your diet for fuel and to metabolise fat.

Choose carbohydrate-rich foods that are unrefined or unprocessed including wholegrains and fruit , rather than refined and energy-dense forms such as cakes, sweets and soft drinks. Have a variety of vegetables daily. Choose healthy unsaturated fats from plant sources such as, olive, canola, peanut or soy oil rather than from animal sources butter or meat fat. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

A kilojoule is a unit of measure of energy, in the same way that kilometres measure distance. Body mass index or BMI is an approximate measure of your total body fat. Dietitians offer advice on food choices to help people improve their health and general wellbeing. The nutritional requirements of the human body change as we move through different life stages. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Weight management. Home Weight management. Weight loss and carbohydrates.

Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Do we need carbohydrates in our diet? Which foods contain carbohydrates? According to the U.

Department of Agriculture USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans , the best carbohydrates are those that contain a lot of fiber, like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

These types of carbohydrates take longer to break down into glucose and give you the most nutrients along with your calories. These are carbohydrates that have been processed to remove parts of the grain and have had sugar added. Common examples of refined or processed carbohydrates are white bread, cakes, and cookies. Foods high in fiber are best because they provide optimal nutrition while giving a sense of fullness.

If you choose a low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss and take in fewer calories, you will lose weight.

Generally these diets involve eating less bread and pasta and more vegetables, fruits, and meat. Glucose fuels all our physical activities from sitting to watch a movie, breathing or engaging in a workout.

Additional energy or glucose is stored in our muscles and liver for later use or is converted to fat. The possibility of carbohydrates converting to fat is the buzz statement marketed to sell fad diets.

We tend to focus only on fat stores potentially caused by eating carbs instead of how essential they are to support body function. When all macronutrients proteins, carbs, and fats are consumed in proper amounts, our body utilizes the nutrients to make us healthy and fit. Studies indicate carbohydrates including leafy greens, vegetables, and whole grains are shown to help us reduce body fat, gain muscle, and improve athletic performance.

It appears better carbohydrate education is recommended on how to make healthier choices for this important macronutrient. Carbs have been shown to protect the body against certain disease and cancer. Complex carbohydrates like oatmeal are rich in fiber and when consumed regularly indicated to reduce the risk of hypertension and heart problems.

Additional health benefits include reduced incidence of obesity, protection against Type-2 diabetes and an optimal digestive system. Carbohydrates are also shown to promote weight loss and the ability to maintain the goal weight.

Research indicates carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet providing vital nutrients the body requires for optimal functioning. The two main types of carbohydrates are simple and complex. Simple carbs include sugars naturally occurring in foods like fruits, vegetables, and milk.

Added sugars found in prepared or processed foods are also listed under the simple carb category but aren't as healthy. They have fewer nutrients than foods with naturally-occurring sugars. Simple carbohydrates enter the bloodstream quickly providing rapid energy for body functions. Many active adults and athletes will consume raisins or banana prior to a workout and feel this provides adequate energy for the session. Other simple carbs are known for their superior antioxidants and high nutrient value include:.

Frontiers in Nutrition. Microbiome in brain function and mental health. Increasing dietary carbohydrate as part of a healthy whole food diet intervention dampens eight week changes in salivary cortisol and cortisol responsiveness. Effect of dietary carbohydrates during hypocaloric treatment of obesity on peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism.

Journal of endocrinological investigation. Prebiotics and Probiotics….