Are Carbs Bad For You?
Also Known As: carbohydrates
Short answer
Carbs that are found naturally in sources such as vegetables and whole grains are good for your health. Refined and processed carbs, like those found in white rice and white bread, are the ones that should be limited or avoided entirely.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Carbs are macronutrients that provide both benefits and drawbacks for overall health and fitness. They are naturally found in some plant-based foods like grains while some are added to processed foods. It's important to understand the difference between the two, and which ones are beneficial for our bodies.
Quality (natural) carbs are included in what is considered a well-balanced meal. Brown rice, whole grain bread, fruits, beans, and vegetables are examples of good carbs which provide the body with sufficient energy to use up for the day. They are helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease and colon cancer as well as contributing to better weight management. Good carbs are also rich in fiber, which can greatly improve the efficiency of the digestive system and help prevent blood sugar spikes.
Meanwhile, processed carbs belong to the type of carbs that are not recommended for a healthy lifestyle. Eating a lot of white rice, bread, and pasta along with dairy products, desserts, chips, and other junk foods will fill your body with these so-called bad carbs that often get turned into fat instead of expended as energy.
Processed carbs are known to lead to insulin resistance and obesity. They can also increase the body's level of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. When this fat accumulates, it becomes difficult for the blood to freely flow through the arteries. Thus, blood pressure and the risk of heart attack is heightened.
Possible short-term side effects
- processed carbs can lead to:
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indigestion
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mood swings
Possible long-term side effects
- processed carbs can lead to:
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poor nutrition
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insulin resistance
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increased triglycerides
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heart disease
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diabetes
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obesity
Benefits
- natural carbs can:
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boost energy
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decrease cholesterol
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decrease risk of diabetes
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decrease risk of heart disease
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improve digestion
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enhance satiety
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improve sleep quality
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Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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