The best high carb foods that are astonishingly healthy
Over a long period of time, high carb foods have been blamed for various health issues and they are considered bad for overall health. It is said that various diseases like weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and various other diseases are caused due to foods that are high in carbohydrates.
It cannot be stated as false that foods that are processed and high in sugar contain low amounts of important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. But many fiber-rich and nutrient-dense foods can actually be good for you.
What Are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are found in a variety of foods including both healthy and unhealthy foods like bread, milk, popcorn, beans, etc.
They also come in various forms from which sugar, fibers and starches are the most common ones.
Healthy VS Unhealthy Carbohydrates
The quality of carbohydrates is more important than the type of carbohydrates. Some of the high carb foods are healthier than others.
Healthiest Sources Of Carbohydrates
The healthiest versions of high carb foods are the ones which are not processed or minimally processed. Examples of such foods are:
- Beans
- Fruits
- Whole Grains
- Vegetables
These foods help in promoting good health, providing vitamins, minerals and important nutrients to the body.
Unhealthier Sources Of Carbohydrates
Unhealthier versions include high processed or refined foods. These foods contain large amount of easily digestible foods which are responsible for:
- Weight Gain
- Difficulty in Weight Loss
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes
If you want to practice healthy eating habits, it is recommended that you fill your most of the plate with healthy carbohydrates like: fruits, vegetables(except potatoes) and whole grain foods.
High Carb Foods
1. Quinoa
A nutritious seed known as quinoa has become immensely popular these days among health conscious people.
It comes under the category of pseudocereals, which is originally a seed and is prepared to be eaten like a grain.
Quinoa is known as one of the high carb foods because it is made 70% of carbohydrates. Along with that it is also rich in protein and fibers.
It doesn’t contain gluten which makes it a great fit to be included in a gluten free diet.
2. Oats
Oats are a highly healthy whole grain and a rich source of many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Raw oats are a rich source of carbohydrates which contain almost 70% of carbohydrates. Oats are also a high protein food which acts as an added advantage of consuming oats. Oats are very filling and support weight management. They are also helpful in reducing elevated blood sugar levels.
3. Buckwheat
Similar to quinoa, buckwheat is also considered as a pseudocereal. Ironically to its name buckwheat does not contain wheat and it is also free from gluten. It contains both protein and fiber which makes it very nutritious and healthy.
This pseudocereal is mainly beneficial for heart health and it also helps in eliminating problems related to high blood sugar.
4. Banana
It is a very popular food which is used in many cuisines and recipes. They contains carbs in the form of starch or sugars. They contain a lot of beneficial plant compounds. It also contains various nutrients like Vitamin B and C. Raw green bananas contain more starch and as they start to turn yellow and start to ripe all the starch gets converted to sugar. Bananas are well known to provide support to the digestive system and fuel the good bacteria in the gut.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great food because of their rich taste, nutrition content. They fall under the category of root vegetables. Sweet potatoes are a rich source of Vitamin A,C and potassium.
They are also packed with antioxidants. These are the compounds which help to neutralize harmful radicals inside the cells of your body.
Benefits Of High Carb Foods
There are tons of benefits of eating foods which are high in carbohydrates. Some of them are:
- Carbs help you to fuel your brain.
- It helps you reduce bloating.
- Eating carbs can elevate your mood.
- Good for health and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Improves the quality of sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are carbohydrates important for exercise?
High carb foods are very important for those who follow an exercise routine because carbohydrates act as a fuel for the body.
What happens when we eat high carb foods?
High carb foods are healthy if eaten in the proper form and quantity. Eating more than needed amounts of carbohydrates can affect your body negatively which can make you lazy and increase your weight by decreasing your physical activity.
The Bottom Line
We all know people who say high carb foods are not healthy. Though it is a myth many people tend to believe it. In Fact many of the healthiest foods present in the world today contain large amounts of carbohydrates.
