Plant-based foods contain carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are a macronutrient whose main purpose is to supply the body with energy but also serves other body functions such as blood glucose regulation and organ maintenance. Almost all plant foods, such as wheat, rice, fruits and vegetables, contain carbohydrates. The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), which are the newest guidelines established to replace those formerly known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs), recommend that 45 to 65 percent of daily calories come from carbohydrates and the United States Department of Agriculture recommends people make at least half of the grains they consume whole grains.
Providing Energy
Carbohydrates provide energy for daily physical activities and proper organ function. Sustained physical activities force muscles to draw on carbohydrate stores and the American Dietetic Association recommends people consume foods that are easy to digest and rich in carbohydrates during long-term endurance sports.
Protein Sparing
Adequate intake of carbohydrates ensures enough energy to carry out daily activities so that the body does not have to break down protein stores. Protein is critical for muscle growth and organ maintenance. When you do not consume sufficient carbohydrates, a process called gluconeogenesis breaks protein down to maintain blood glucose levels.
Preventing Ketosis
The body needs a carbohydrate called Oxaloacetate to completely break down fat. Without this, fats can turn into ketone bodies. High levels of ketone bodies lead to a condition called ketosis that can interfere with the body's acid-base balance and kidney functions to cause dehydration. Ketosis can be especially harmful to a developing fetus and so it is important for pregnant women to consume a minimum of 50 to 100 carbohydrate grams per day.
Fiber and Heart Health
Fiber is a polysaccharide, or a long chain of sugar, that falls into the "complex" carbohydrate category. Foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, which improves digestion and aids in weight control because it helps with satiation. The Harvard School of Public Health says that diets rich in fiber have been linked to lower risks of diabetes and heart disease. Fiber also decreases the health complications of diverticulosis, a condition of colon inflamation and infection.
Monitoring Blood Glucose
Diabetes is a condition that interferes with the body's ability to naturally regulate blood sugar. Controlling diabetes means watching the amount of sugar you consume. Since carbohydrates are sugars, they are an important tool to use when planning diets that determine insulin need and control for conditions related to diabetes.
Tags: blood glucose, break down, contain carbohydrates, fruits vegetables, ketone bodies, organ maintenance