Benefits of Carbohydrates
Health Benefits of Carbohydrates from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.
Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body’s cells, tissues and organs, particularly the brain. They are also a rich source of health-promoting fiber.
See More from Rx for Community Wellness
Transcript:
Carbohydrates are the most abundant nutrient (with the exception of water) in the diets of most humans around the world. Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are not only the key ingredient in desserts, sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas, and many of the packaged snack foods. In actuality, carbohydrates are a part of all food groups and are found in grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and even dairy. A healthy diet rich in carbohydrates would include those plant-based foods in their unrefined whole food form. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that carbohydrates make up 45 to 65 percent of our total daily energy intake. Every cell in our bodies can benefit from the consumption of carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body’s cells, tissues and organs. The brain is particularly dependent on the glucose from carbohydrates for its fuel source. Unrefined carbohydrates are a rich source of fiber, which has many benefits including helping maintain digestive and bowel health as well as a healthy weight. Fiber also lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.
Consuming nutrient dense carbohydrates in their whole food form are advantageous to meeting your body’s nutritional needs.
Thanks for joining this Patient Empowerment Network program. Please remember to ask your healthcare team what may be right for you.