Refined Carbohydrates: The "Bad Carb" Sugars and Starches
Posted on Dec 7th 2009 12:15PM by Martha EdwardsRefined carbohydrates -- which are simplified or processed -- give carbs a bad name. In general, there are two kinds of carbohydrates. Those that are full of fiber, like vegetables, get absorbed into the body slowly and avoid spikes in blood sugar levels.
Refined carbs are processed until their beneficial comlplex carbohydrate structure disappears. Refined grains, for example, are made when a food process strips away the bran and germ from the whole grain, leaving only sugar or starches. This food processing gives foods a finer texture and prolongs shelf life, but it also removes important nutrients -- B vitamins, fiber and iron are often taken out. The result? All of the white flour -- and white flour products like white bread, white rice and white pasta -- which experts encourage dieters to avoid.
If the grain -- including bran, germ and endosperm -- is left intact during the processing procedure, the resulting grain is known as a whole grain, which is used in whole wheat breads and whole wheat pasta.
Refined carbohydrates are generally considered to be bad for us, because they are very quickly convert into glucose in our bodies, which can lead to weight gain.
Here's a blow-by-blow break down of good and bad carbohydrates if you'd like more information or if you just need more ammo in the white bread versus whole wheat bread debate.
Refined carbs are processed until their beneficial comlplex carbohydrate structure disappears. Refined grains, for example, are made when a food process strips away the bran and germ from the whole grain, leaving only sugar or starches. This food processing gives foods a finer texture and prolongs shelf life, but it also removes important nutrients -- B vitamins, fiber and iron are often taken out. The result? All of the white flour -- and white flour products like white bread, white rice and white pasta -- which experts encourage dieters to avoid.
If the grain -- including bran, germ and endosperm -- is left intact during the processing procedure, the resulting grain is known as a whole grain, which is used in whole wheat breads and whole wheat pasta.
Refined carbohydrates are generally considered to be bad for us, because they are very quickly convert into glucose in our bodies, which can lead to weight gain.
Here's a blow-by-blow break down of good and bad carbohydrates if you'd like more information or if you just need more ammo in the white bread versus whole wheat bread debate.
