Carbohydrates

Nutrition1st

I see people talk about Carbs all day long, but rarely see people focus on the right type of carbs. Here is a lil info about simple vs complex carbs.

Carbohydrates (found in pasta, grains, vegetables, fruits, breads, cereals, rice, beans, sugar, candies, etc.) are all of two basic types, complex and simple sugars. If a carbohydrate is lacking in soluble fiber, or is a simple sugar, it will be absorbed too quickly into the blood. Prolonged eating behavior of this type can lead to metabolic disorders such as Hypoglycemia and type
II Diabetes; both of which are relative to blood sugar levels and contribute to mood swings, depression, and several
other mental impairments. The likelihood of the majority of these occurrences can be reduced by simply ensuring that each time you eat, you consume at least one food that offers a soluble fiber source. All natural complex carbohydrates are sources of soluble fiber. It is equally important to note that you will know when you are eating too much soluble fiber when you are experiencing stomach cramps within about 20 to 30 minutes after eating.

When the carbohydrate is ingested it enters into the stomach, and then into the small intestine, where almost all digestion occurs. The principle enzymes that break down all carbohydrates in the small intestine are amylases. These enzymes then break down carbohydrates into simple sugars like lactose, fructose, glucose, and smaller chains of glucose molecules called glucose polymers. These simple sugars are then absorbed through the lining of the small intestine and are transported to
the liver through the portal vein where the liver then converts all these simple sugars into the common sugar glucose.

The muscle tissue is then the first stop for “insulin-carried” glucose, especially after exercise when muscle energy stores are low. Insulin actually opens up receptor sites on muscles, allowing for the uptake of glucose to replenish depleted muscle energy stores. When receptor sites do not take up glucose readily they are said to be “insulin resistant.” This condition is generally due to sedentary behavior and possibly during the onset of Type II Diabetes.

Note: If the carbohydrates ingested are already simple sugars, or are low in dietary fiber, they will be taken up into the blood rapidly. The pancreas reacts quickly resulting in an “over-release” of insulin. Since the muscle tissues and liver take up blood-glucose very slowly, the surplus of insulin-carried blood glucose will bypass the two, and be rapidly stored in fat cells. Also, since the hormone insulin “over-reacts” in this situation, and its function is to eliminate sugar from the blood, within 20 to 30 minutes the blood sugar falls below resting levels (hypoglycemia). This reduces the glucose supply to the Central Nervous System creating a noticeable effect on higher brain function (making you feel sluggish, tired, and run down.)

-NFPT

Bobby_Clerici

Well Said - All Is Possible!

fiveohmike

So eat boatloads of veggies with your rice and bread

davidsgirl145

Love this post! Thanks :drinker: <<<my cup is full of a spinach and banana smoothie! hahahaha