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Not all carbs are created equal. The healthiest types of carbohydrates are unprocessed or minimally processed whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans. These “good carbs” contain fiber which is an essential part of weight loss. They are vitamin, mineral and phytonutrient-rich which promotes good health in other ways, too. And while fad low-carb diets like Keto have you thinking that you need to restrict all kinds of carbs, even certain veggies if you exceed your 20 to 50 grams allotted per day, health experts warn that what’s truly healthy for everyone is to avoid only one type of carbs: refined ones. Here’s what they have to say:
Refined Carbs
“Refined carbs provide the body with absolutely zero benefits other than a quick source of calories,” registered dietitian Trista Best tells us.
Best explains that foods made from refined carbohydrates can may offer a few vitamins, minerals, and fat, but that the cons of eating them significantly outweigh “even the smallest pro.”
So, what are examples of foods containing refined carbs? They are commonly the foundations of processed convenience store foods, pastries, baked goods, and enriched breads.
So--how bad are they? "They are highly inflammatory and wreak havoc on our gut and immune system, to name just a few," Trista, who is a tells us. "Chronic-low grade inflammation associated with these carbohydrates are often at the root of many chronic health conditions common to the West," such as obesity and Type II diabetes. Yikes!
