Are carbs really evil?
Over the years different food groups have been demonized by main stream media and misinformation has permeated through society so that it is now ingrained in peoples beliefs. Because of the increasing rates of obesity it seems logical that people were searching for an elegant and simple reason for why we were gaining weight as a species. Unfortunately, the answer is not simple and by demonizing foods we ended up just making matters worse. The truth is carbohydrates are the preferred energy source for our bodies, they are essential for hormonal health and anyone who tells you to cut them out needs to be cut out of your life (okay maybe not that extreme but you get my point).
One of the primary functions of carbohydrates is to provide your body with energy. Most carbohydrate sources are broken down in the body into glucose. Glucose in the blood is taken up into your body’s cells and used to produce a fuel molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
During periods of dieting when carbohydrates aren’t available, the body can convert amino acids from muscle into glucose to provide the brain with energy. Consuming at least some carbs can prevent muscle breakdown and therefore carbohydrates can actually help to preserve your muscle mass.
Fibre a type of carbohydrate helps to promote digestive health and regulate your bowels. It can also help increase satiety from your meals and most sources of fibre (fruit and vegetables) are also rich in vitamins and minerals so is essential for your health.
Eating fiber may lower cholesterol by lowering the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood.
Women especially need carbohydrate, when your brain perceives that you are not getting enough nutrition, especially carbohydrate, there is a marked reduction in the production of kisspeptin, a neuropeptide that’s responsible for sex hormones and endocrine and reproductive function, which also plays a significant role in maintaining healthy glucose levels, appetite regulation, and body composition. Less kisspeptin stimulation can increase our appetite and reduce our sensitivity to insulin.
Cutting carbs can mess with your iron regulation which women are already at risk for due to menstruation. It can also increase cortisol levels in the body and lower your immune response.
So all in all do not fear carbohydrates. Limit your consumption of highly processed highly refined carbohydrate sources but removing carbohydrates in your diet will only work to negatively impact your health.
Love these tips? Want to know more? Well you are in luck, we have just launched our ‘Nutrition for Women’ course!
In this short course we will take you step by step, through the menstrual cycle and how best to support it with nutrition. In this course, you will also receive your unique calorie & macro breakdown specific to you and your goals!