Not All Carbs Are Created Equal

Carbohydrates are molecules made up of sugar units. Carbohydrate should form the greatest part of our diet (at least half of our daily total calorie intake). Carbohydrate is a readily accessible source of energy. you should get most of the energy from complex carbohydrates (e.g. starch) and less from sugars. Fibre, also a Carbohydrate, promotes regular bowel movement and helps prevent constipation. Sources of Carbohydrate are rice, noodle, pasta, bread, chapatti, thosai, cereal, corn, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Whenever possible, choose to eat whole grain or whole meal food.
Whole Grains – The Benefits
Whole grains and foods made from them contain the entire grain seed: the bran, the endosperm and the germ. Whole grains are a good source of fibre, B vitamins, iron and antioxidants. Studies show that regular consumption of whole grains help to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease and certain types of cancer. Below are ways to boost your whole grains intake:
- Choose whole grain bread instead of white bread.
- Have a serving of whole grain breakfast cereals in the morning.
- Substitute half of the white rice with brown rice.
- Add oats to cookies or other desserts.