Health Benefits of Complex Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the major constituents of most diets followed by more than half of the world's population. Carbohydrates are a major sources of energy for our body. In fact, they are the only source of energy to the nervous system and kidneys. These carbohydrates are classified into two groups - simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.

Simple carbohydrates or sugar (as they are generally addressed) include fructose, sucrose, lactose, and so on. These simple carbohydrates assimilate easily into the blood and are instant sources of energy. Whereas, complex carbohydrates are made up of sugar links forming a complex chain, and hence called complex carbohydrates. These types of carbohydrates take long to assimilate, and therefore are sustained sources of energy.

In spite of having a lion's share in every diet, intake of carbohydrates are often put through a lot of confusion and controversy. Agreed that high carb diets make you feel heavy, you're prone to mood swings, they are reason for high blood sugar levels, so on and so forth. But we need to understand that not all carbs are bad.

In fact, the carbs that cause these above problems are simple carbs or sugar. Complex carbs are digested slowly and contribute little or nothing to blood sugar rise. Complex carbohydrates are further classified into starch and fibers. They are known to provide roughage and help in the smooth digestion of food. Below are few examples of complex carbohydrates.

• Broccoli
• Onions
• Pears
• Plums
• Lettuce
• Potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Grapefruits
• Spinach
• Cucumbers
• Prunes

• Turnip Greens
• Cabbage
• Millet
• Eggplant
• Artichokes
• Oats
• Potatoes
• Aspragus
• Wheat Germ
• Yams

• Muesli
• Barley
• Corn
• Apricots
• Wild Rice
• Carrots
• Oranges
• Brown Rice
• Cassava
• Cornmeal
• Buckwheat

Improves Digestion: Complex carbs are major sources of dietary fibers. Fiber provides the required roughage or bulk to regulate the movement of the bowels, and hence, improves the digestion of food. It facilitates the smooth excretion of wastes and toxins from the body.

Not only does it improve the metabolic activity, but also prevents one from common digestive discomforts like gas, bloating, constipation, indigestion, etc.

Major Source of Energy: Carbs are a major source of energy for the body. They are vital for normal physical and mental functioning of the body. Complex carbs are digested slowly, keeping energy levels stabilized for a longer period of time. The nervous system needs 2 times more energy than all the other cells of the body. It can use energy only in the form of glucose, hence complex carbs play an important role in supplying energy to the vital parts of the body.

Aids Weight Control: With complex carbohydrates being the greatest source of fibers, it aids weight loss. Intake of a fibrous diet regulates the digestive system, the regular movement of bowels help you get rid of the toxins, unwanted wastes, and those accumulated fats around the waist. With fibrous foods in your diet, you never tend to overeat, but at the same time, you can linger longer and stay full with the intake of fewer calories than otherwise.

Nutritional Benefits: The nutritional benefits you get from these complex carbohydrates are enormous. High fiber fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants, essential vitamins, and minerals, that help in the normal functioning of the body. They benefit the skin, nails and hair growth. They are also essential as regards to hormonal balance, good eyesight, and reproductive health.

Key to Good Health: Nothing can go wrong when you binge on fresh fruits and vegetables. These sources of complex carbohydrates are packed with nutrients and helps you to be energetic throughout the day. A diet that really works wonders for most of the people is foods high in complex carbohydrates, with moderate proteins and low fats. This strategy is sure to nourish you with the adequate nutrients your body requires, and ensures good health.

Complex carbohydrates are available in natural vegetables, fruits and whole grains. They are not processed in the factory, unlike most of the simple carbohydrates. Hence, they are designed by nature and are very beneficial to maintain good health.