We're busting all the carb elimination myths.
Photo: Daria Shevtsova.
Growing up in a society that demonized carbohydrates, many of us have personally fallen susceptible to the low-carb lifestyle and the mentality that carbs are “bad.” Did you know that there is ample science behind the negative effects of eliminating carbs from your diet? We are going to take a deep dive into why we need carbs to function at our best and the reasoning behind why completely cutting carbs from your diet is detrimental to both your physical and mental health.
Feel-Good Food There’s definitely some truth behind the age-old “pasta makes everything better” adage! Mostcarbs contain tryptophan, which help the brain produce the feel-good hormone, serotonin. Without tryptophan and serotonin, you are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. So, eating carbs will not only make your belly happy, they will make your brain happy, too! The Ultimate Fuel Upon digestion, carbs provide glucose – our body’s primary source of fuel and energy. Just like cars need gasoline to run efficiently, our body needs glucose to function at its best. This is why eliminating carbs can make us feel tired, sad, and grumpy. In addition, our brains also prefer glucose as their primary fuel source. When we don’t have enough carbs in our diet, our ability to think, learn, and remember information decreases because our brain doesn’t have enough glucose to synthesize. Carbs are the ultimate brain-food! Disease Prevention The health benefits of carbs stretch further than energy and brain power! When looking for which type of carb to choose from, aim for whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread. Research shows that a diet rich in whole grains can help reduce your chance of heart disease, help lower cholesterol levels, and minimize bloating. Sounds like a win-win-win!
Remember, you deserve to feel your best - always!
Love,
The BBS Team