By: Emily Tolino, Student Nutritionist No doubts about it, carbs get a really bad rap these days. Just one trip through the dining hall or Stamp food court and you are guaranteed to hear "bagels are bad for you", "I'm looking for low carb or gluten free options", or, in general, "carbs make you fat." Carbohydrates have quickly become the enemy to "health eaters" everywhere. But is the hype real? Are carbohydrates the most evil of the food groups? So what do carbs do for your body?
Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy - and the brain's only source of energy! It is important to understand that there are 2 different types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates contain individual sugar molecules that can provide energy fast. Complex carbohydrates contain sugar molecules that have been connected together as well as fiber, essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Complex carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, whole grain pastas, breads, and crackers, etc. Whole grain products contain all 3 parts of a grain: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. When a wheat product gets refined, the bran and the germ (the major sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber) get stripped away. Choosing whole grain foods and complex carbohydrates 50% of the time will add extra nutrients to your diet!
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ABOUTTerps With Taste is run by the Student Nutritionist Team with University of Maryland Dining Services. We write content for students, by students. Enjoy! Categories
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April 2024
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