We are used to being recommended by specialists to include carbohydrates in our diet, since they are the basis of diet in all societies in the world. But sometimes, as with other nutrients, we do not question what they really are and what are their benefits for our body. And it is essential that we know what we eat.
The main function of carbohydrates is energy intake . According to experts from the Heart Foundation, “glucose is the only source of energy for the brain, consuming around 100 grams daily.” The so-called carbohydrates act as an energy reserve in the form of glycogen, which is rapidly mobilized to generate glucose when it is needed.
But everything does not end here. They also have a protein-sparing effect, and work to prevent the formation of ketone bodies. These bodies are nothing more than the wastes that appear when the body uses fats instead of sugars for energy. In addition, they are part of the connective and nervous tissue, as well as important molecules such as DNA or ATP.
Contrary to what might be believed, fruits and vegetables are the foods with the least carbohydrates. On the other hand, cereals, sugars, tubers and legumes claim to have a high content of saccharides . Experts advise consuming an approximate amount of 200 to 300 grams per day, but how can you measure this? The Foundation assures that if three to five servings of hydrocarbonate foods are consumed daily, the recommended expectations are achieved.
What is clear is that they must contribute 50-55 percent of the total calories in the diet , if not, something would be failing in the regulatory balance of our correct diet.
