6 Reasons Why We Need Carbs

I consider myself a carb advocate. They get a pretty bad rep overall, and I want to help combat that, because they deserve more praise than hate!

"Carbs are bad for you" "Cut carbs to lose weight" "You dont need carbs" "Low carbs diets are healthiest"...These are ideas that are so deeply engrained in our culture's thoughts about food and nutrition. It is pretty widely accepted that if you want to get healthier - you should cut carbs! There are so many diets that have a focus on carb elimination - keto, Atkins, low carb, gluten free... the list goes on. But, we have solid research that has disproven the idea that carbs cause weight gain or negative health outcomes. Not only that, they actually provide many positive effects within our bodies (when part of a balanced diet of course).

They have been demonized in our culture, but carbs are actually something that should be prioritized in one's diet, not restricted (unless you want to have low energy and give up yummy foods). Besides being delicious, carbs have many other important roles in our bodies.

Let's discuss some important functions of carbs:

1 - ENERGY

As mentioned, carbohydrates are our bodies preferred energy source. They provide glucose which fuels our cells and allows us to go through all of our day to day activities. Carbs are also stored as glycogen in our muscles and our liver as a kind of "energy reserve" for when we have not eaten for some time and need an energy boost. So even long after you have eaten carbs, they are still working for you to give you an energy boost you need.

2- BRAIN FUNCTION

Glucose is the preferred source of fuel for our brain. The brain needs an average of 130g of glucose per day to function (that is the equivalent of about 10 slices of bread!). Have you ever experienced "brain fog" when you go on a diet or try to eat low carb - this is because your brain is not getting the fuel it needs to function properly!

3 - FIBER

Carbohydrates can be excellent sources of fiber! Fiber is important for helping keep us full after a meal, slowing digestion, reducing blood sugar spikes, improving digestive health, and promoting regular bowel movements, and more!! Some great sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.

4 - BLOOD SUGAR REGULATION

Carbohydrates get demonized for causing a rise in blood sugar after we eat them. BUT - this is completely normal. Unless you have a medical condition that affects your glucose control, you do not need to concern yourself with blood sugar spikes. You should, however, be concerned about blood sugar getting too low. When this happens, it can lead to lightheadedness and possibly fainting. It is important to regularly fuel your body, including carbs, to keep blood sugar in a healthy place.

5 - HAPPINESS

Besides being delicious and causing happiness through that, carbs have a biological effect on your mood levels! Carbohydrates are essential for the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate our moods.

6 - THEY HELP KEEP STRESS AT BAY

None of us need any added stress in our lives. And inadequate carbohydrate consumption can lead to a rise in cortisol, which is the hormone that increases stress! So, regular consumption of carbohydrates can help regulate cortisol production, and potentially reduce stress levels.

So - I have given you some well known and some lesser known benefits to eating carbs as part of a balanced diet. I hope that this diminishes or reduces any fear or hesitation you may have about the benefits of including carbs daily!