Why You Need Carbs

by Michael Sahno, MS APK, TSAC-F

EVERYBODY needs Carbohydrates. It is literally a part of the structure of our DNA (DNA contains deoxyribose, RNA contains ribose -both sugars, or Carbohydrates). It can be found in Honey, Milk, and in Fruits and Vegetables. It is a source of energy for every single cell in your body and, in the form called Cellulose, makes up the fiber that aids in your digestion through the lower part of the digestive tract. When eaten, Carbohydrates are broken down into Glucose, Fructose, and/or Galactose (if there is an -ose on the end, then it is a sugar, or Carbohydrate). It is then absorbed into your blood stream and transported throughout the body to be used as energy.

Most importantly, Carbohydrates, or the sugars that we eat, are converted into Glucose. Glucose is the sugar that is found in our blood stream. Glucose is the sole source of fuel that our brain uses for energy. It doesn’t come from anywhere else. Only from Glucose. According to Harvard Medical School, “Brain functions such as thinking, memory, and learning are closely linked to glucose levels and how efficiently the brain uses this fuel source”.

This means that leaving Carbohydrates out of your diet may cause you to risk not having enough energy for all of the things that you have packed into your day. In the February 2009 research journal APPETITE, author and Tufts professor of Psychology Dr. Holly Taylor found that, “The popular low-carb, no-carb diets have the strongest potential for negative impact on thinking and cognition, ”Her research showed that low-Carbohydrate dieters showed a decrease in function when it came to memory tasks and a reduction in reaction time compared to those who just reduced their overall calories.

What does all of this mean? Simply put, in moderation of course, don’t skip the Carbohydrates. Keep them in your diet. In a day, make them approximately 50% of everything that you eat. Your Body and your Brain will thank you.