Ever since the infamous Atkins diet became so vastly popular not too long ago, it seems as if carbohydrates are now public enemy number 1, and in most people’s eyes, they’re to blame for the obesity pandemic sweeping the globe and costing governments billions upon billions in health care every single year. Whereas fat was once evil, more people are now believing that perhaps fat is not as bad as carbohydrates. In reality, protein, fats, and carbohydrates are all essential macronutrients and are all absolutely vital when it comes to our health and well-being. Like all things, there are good sources of carbohydrates, and there are some not so good sources of carbs, here’s a look at 4 of the best carb sources available.
Oatmeal
When talking about healthy carbohydrate sources, oatmeal is one of the first foods that immediately springs to mind. Oatmeal is rich in niacin, B vitamins, minerals including iron and zinc, and dietary fiber. It is a slow digesting food and so it provides a slow and steady stream of energy into the body, helping to fuel workouts for hours to come. It can also help to promote weight loss because as it is so slow digesting, it helps keep us feeling full for longer.
Wholemeal bread
Wholemeal bread is actually one of the healthiest foods you could ever wish for, the problem is that many people get confused with brown bread, and wholemeal bread. Brown bread is garbage, it is simply processed white bread with dyes and colourings added to turn the bread brown. Wholemeal is made from natural whole grains, it has a low glycemic index, and it is rich in minerals, folate, niacin, and other B vitamins as well.
Bananas
Bananas are a fantastic fruit that are naturally low in natural fructose sugars, and high in essential vitamins that benefit the body in numerous ways. Bananas contain vitamins and minerals, with one mineral content being especially high, and that is potassium. Potassium helps regulate blood sugar levels, and on top of that it helps reduce lactic acid build up which can lead to muscle soreness and painful muscle cramps as well. Bananas are so ideal because they’re ready to eat, they’re so versatile, and they provide a slow-release source of energy for much of the day.
Brown rice
In truth, organic white rice isn’t as bad as people would have you believe, but brown rice is simply even better and even healthier for a number of different reasons. To begin with, brown rice is a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber, as the husks are left in place. Fiber helps aid in digestion, it promotes healthy bowel movements, it can lower bad cholesterol levels, it regulates blood sugar levels, and it can aid in weight loss as it reduces hunger pains and cravings. It digests far easier than other sources of rice and it doesn’t create gas or bloating, like other rice can do. Brown rice needs cooking for far longer than white rice, otherwise it remains nutty and gritty and not very pleasant on the tongue.
