Carbohydrates - RDA (Recommended Daily Amount) 55/60% per day

 

What foods are carbs? - Bread, cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes, dried fruits, grains, sugar and sugary foods.

 

Structure - There are two types of carbohydrates 1. (Simple) - Sugar 2. (Complex) - Starch and fibre.

 

Purpose - Energy - starch and sugar can be used for both anaerobic and aerobic energy.

 

Fibre - Sufficient fibre prevents constipation, haemorrhoids and diverticulitis. It may reduce the risk of bowl cancer and it helps to control blood cholesterol levels. Fibre derives from a cellulose, a plant material in the diet, which cannot be digested or absorbed by the body. It is essential for a healthy igestive system as it assists the passing of food through the digestive system and helps eliminate waste products and toxins - like an inside the body sweeping brush!

 

 

Health Issues

 

Sugar - Sugar causes tooth decay. It can add empty calories to our diet, contributing to issues with weight control. It is possible to eat lots of sugary foods without feeling full or satisfied. 

 

Starch - In general we need to increase our intake of starchy foods. Starchy foods are bulky so they will fill us up without adding excess calories.

 

Energy - We are recommended to consume around 55-60% of our daily energy in the form of complex carbohyrates.