The Sugary Truth: Understanding Carbohydrates
You've probably heard it a million times: "Cut down on carbs!" or "Watch your sugar intake!" But how many of us truly understand what carbohydrates are? Dive with me into the sweet world of carbs as we uncover the truth behind these molecules. It comes down to a simple reality for those of us who are insulin resistant, that's 80% of us. If you are not burning through your carbohydrate intake with heavy lifting days, then your body is turning that sugar into fat. . . period! If it's left over energy. . . it is stored for the future.
What Exactly is a Carb?
When people ask, "What is a carb?" they're often met with an avalanche of scientific terms. But to put it simply, carbohydrates are sugars. They can stand alone, pair up, or form long chains known as polymers. People become labeled as diabetic and think they simply need to stay away from cake and ice cream. . . so NOT true! And more importantly, just because you "get" type 2 diabetes it DOES NOT mean that you are now forever diabetic, this is an absolute fallacy!
The Many Faces of Sugar
Sugar doesn't just refer to the sweet crystals you sprinkle in your coffee. The world of carbohydrates is vast, with hundreds of names that might not sound like "sugar" at all. There's glucose, fructose, maltose, dextrose, and many more. It can feel overwhelming, but here's a little secret: No matter the name, it's still sugar, and your body simply does not care about the difference.
Debunking Carb Myths
There are many misconceptions surrounding carbs. Here are a few:
Oatmeal and Fruit Juice: At first glance, it's easy to think of oatmeal as a health food and fruit juice as a sugary treat. But when you break them down, they both supply the body with sugar. Yes, oatmeal might have added nutrients and fiber, but in terms of carbohydrate content, they’re not worlds apart.
Brown Rice vs. Minute Maid Rice: Brown rice, with its nutty flavor and chewy texture, has been praised for its health benefits. But when it comes to its carbohydrate profile, it's not drastically different from quick-cooking Minute Maid rice. Both will convert to sugar in our bodies.
Gluten-Free Doesn't Mean Sugar-Free: With the rise in gluten-free diets, many are choosing gluten-free bread over traditional loaves. However, it's important to note that "gluten-free" doesn’t mean it's devoid of carbs. Gluten-free bread still contains carbohydrates, which means it still has sugar!
In Conclusion
Carbohydrates can be a crucial part of our diet, providing us with the energy we need to function on heavy activity days. It is a misconception that we only function on this fuel alone. Our brains actually prefer ketones, the energy made from burning fat. It is essential to understand carbohydrates better, especially in an age of dietary trends and misinformation. Remember, whether it's in oatmeal, brown rice, or gluten-free bread, sugar is sugar. Making informed choices about our carb intake can pave the way for a healthier relationship with food. Jason and Rita...aka Dr. De Leon and Dr. Gillespie.
