Carbohydrates: Is it Correct to Eliminate Them?

Carbohydrates, also known as glycidic compounds, are essential for the proper functioning of our body. Nutritionists often tend to deprive our body of these organic compounds, eliminating bread and pasta completely from diets. One must wonder what consequences this could have on our body and whether eating only vegetables and meat to lose weight is correct. Let's discover this together and see what the properties of these organic compounds are.

Simple Carbohydrates

There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. These vary based on their chemical structure. In fact, simple carbohydrates are sugars, which include monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, galactose, lactose, etc. Simple carbohydrates are absorbed quickly by the body, without being involved in metabolic activities; this means they provide immediate energy to our body.

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, require a much longer digestive process, as they are composed of various units of monosaccharides. Despite this, they represent the true fuel of our body, as they provide energy gradually. Among complex glycidic compounds, we can include starch, found in potatoes and legumes. This is stored in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles, ensuring an energy reserve during the night or between meals. Moreover, starch controls the absorption of certain nutrients, ensuring glycaemic control.

Annals of Internal Medicine

It is evident that eliminating these types of organic compounds from our diet is not a correct choice, as bread and pasta are not the main culprits of weight gain and are essential for maintaining good health. In fact, a study published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" conducted on 130,000 people found that among individuals who do not consume carbohydrates in their diets, there is a 12% higher rate of deaths. Of these, 14% are more exposed to heart diseases and 28% to cancers.