Bits & Pieces
Basic Carbohydrate Information:
Submitted By Carol
Carbohydrates are made up of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are divided into two groups: simple (the sugars) and complex (the starches) carbohydrates. They supply the body with the energy it needs to function. Except for milk and milk products, carbohydrates are found primarily in plant foods, such as vegetables, peas, beans, and fruits.
Simple carbohydrates (refined) include fructose (fruit sugar), sucrose (table sugar), and lactose (milk sugar), as well as several other sugars. One of the richest natural sources of simple carbohydrates is fruit.
Complex carbohydrates are also made up of sugars, but the sugar molecules are strung together to form longer, more complex chains. Complex carbohydrates include fiber and starches. Vegetables, whole grains, peas, and beans are foods rich in complex carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are the main source of blood glucose, which is a major fuel for all of the body's cells and the only source of energy for the brain and red blood cells. Both simple and complex carbohydrates are converted into glucose, except for the fiber, which cannot be digested. The glucose is then either used directly to provide energy for the body, or stored in the liver for future use.
When there is a rise in the glucose in your blood, insulin is secreted by your pancreas in an effort to restore your blood sugar level. Insulin carries the glucose to your muscles, where it is stored as a source of energy. The higher your blood sugar, the more insulin is secreted. This is what is known as the "sugar high" -- this peak of energy. Unfortunately, after such a sharp rise, you can just as suddenly drop down and experience a letdown, making you feel tired and listless. It can also make you feel hungry, wanting more. The reason you feel hungry is that the insulin boost stopped the body from producing serotonin, another hormone that tells our brain that our stomach is full and satisfied. It can become a vicious cycle: sugar highs, letdowns, hunger…on and on.
When a person consumes more calories than the body is using, a portion of the carbohydrates consumed may also be stored in the body as fat. Unrefined foods such as fruits, vegetables, peas, beans, and whole-grain products are healthier choices when eating carbohydrates. Refined, processed foods such as pure sugar, desserts, soft drinks, and candy are poor choces because they offer few, if any, of the vitamins and minerals that are important to your good health.
Complex carbohydrates that do not illicit a sudden spike in insulin levels:
Beans (Adzuki, Anasazi, black, black-eyed peas, cannellini, fava, garbanzo, kidney, lentils, lima, mung, navy, green peas, pinto, red, and split peas)
Cereals, breads, bagels, crackers, pasta made from whole grains. (barley, bran, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, kamut, millet, oats, rye, spelt, wheat, wheat germ, and wild rice)
How To Detect Hidden Carbs
Submitted by LoveMontana
Hi, thought you may find this useful. Ok gang...Here is the
formula to determine hidden carbs in a product such as the bars. A friend of
mine went to Dr.Atkins Lecture in NYC and even he agrees that one should only
eat 1/4 of a bar per day, and only after induction.
first. fat has 9 calories per gram
Carbs have 4
Protein has 4
Look at te label of whatever product you want to check.
Multiply the number of fat grams by 9,the carb grams by 4 and the protein grams
by 4.Add these up. The total number you get will be the Total Calories. Compare
this to the number of Total calories the product in question lists. If there is
a big difference( if your number is lower) there are hidden carbs.
Subtract the number of calories you came up with from the number of calories
listed on the label and divide by 4 (carbs have 4 calories per gram remember.)
and you come up with the number of hidden carbs in a product.
EG. Protein Revolution Bars
Fat 8x9+72
Carbs 2.5x4=10
Protein 22x4=86
Total 170
Total calories listed on the package=230
230-170=60
60 divided by 4= 15
15 hidden carbs + 2.5(on the package) = 17.5 carbs
CAUTION
Some say this is due to the glycerin in them and others say it is because of the
soy. I will try to post the link to the dangers of soy too. Hope this helps.
Link: http://altnews.com.au/nexus/soydangers.html