There are many people out there who have a hard time figuring out which carbohydrates they should be eating. They wonder if complex carbs are better for them than simple carbs, or vice versa.
Well, the answer to this question is not as clear-cut as you might think! Complex and simple carbohydrates both have their benefits and drawbacks when it comes to health.
In this blog post, I will discuss these differences, so that you can make an informed decision about what type of carbohydrate you want to consume to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Glycemic Index
Before we get started talking about complex and simple carbs. You need to know the basic information about what glycemic index is.
Glycemic index is a measure of how quickly and how high your blood sugar levels will rise after you eat certain foods. Foods with a higher glycemic index cause the most dramatic spikes in blood glucose levels. While those with lower glycemic indexes produce smaller changes to your body’s insulin production.
This is why carbs like white bread and sugary drinks are not a good idea: they can lead to health problems like diabetes and even weight gain! Low GI foods like whole-wheat pasta or brown rice don’t have this same effect on your body because they’re low in calories, but high in fiber content.
You must choose carbohydrates wisely so that you can avoid these types of side effects, which could be detrimental to your goals long term.
Sugar Spike: Why it’s important
A spike in your glucose (sugar) level is not good for your body, because it will cause a dramatic increase in insulin production. This can lead to health problems like diabetes and weight gain!
Complex Vs. Simple Carbs
Complex Carbs
Complex carbs are often found in whole grains, like brown rice and oats. These carbs are long chains of sugar molecules that release energy steadily into the bloodstream for some time. In contrast, simple carbohydrates generally come from foods with a higher glycemic index (GI).
Complex carbs tend to make people feel fuller longer while simple carbs make people hungry again sooner.
Complex carbohydrates are typically digested more slowly, so they release their sugar into the bloodstream over a while. This effect can help to keep blood glucose levels stable and less likely to cause fluctuations in mood or energy that lead to food cravings.
Simple Carbs
Simple carbs can be found in foods like white bread and sugar, which are full of glucose molecules that break down quickly. Simple carbs are absorbed into the bloodstream and cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.
This spike of energy is followed by an even more sudden crash, which can lead to hunger cravings or mood swings that may trigger binge-eating.
Simple carbohydrates typically have a higher glycemic index.
Which One is Better For Your Health?
The main difference between the two different types of carbs is the speed at which they are digested and absorbed.
While simple carbs like white bread or sugar can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, complex carbs like whole grains will release their sugars into the bloodstream over time.
This slower absorption means that your moods and energy won’t fluctuate as much because it takes longer for the sugar to be released into your bloodstream.
If you are trying to lose weight, complex carbs will help keep blood sugar levels steady and avoid hunger cravings that may come from raising insulin levels.
This makes complex carbohydrates to be better for your health. The slow production of insulin is less taxing on the kidneys and liver, which will lead to a healthier life.
Since complex carbs are better for our health than simple carbohydrates, I recommend that you limit your intake of white pieces of bread or sugar to help keep blood sugar levels steady.
Takeaway
The next time you’re in the grocery store, take a minute to look at the food labels. If you see sugar as one of the first few ingredients on an item’s list, make sure it’s not processed or refined sugars like high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
I know It can be tempting to grab that soda or candy bar when we need something quick and easy for our busy lives.
But if we want long-term health benefits without feeling sluggish after eating, then sticking with complex carbs is best. You’ll find more fiber which will help your body absorb nutrients better too!
Don’t forget to share this information with your friends and family! Also, comment down below on what your favorite healthy snack is.
