Functions of Carbohydrate Foods for the Body

Infokekinian.com – We will discuss what are the functions of carbohydrate foods that are good for the body and health. Let's see how the explanation goes!

Currently, there are various natural ways to diet by eliminating foods that contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates were banned because they were thought to contribute to an increase in the body.

Whereas carbohydrates are nutrients that are needed by the body. What happens if the need for carbohydrates in the body is not met?

Carbohydrates are a great source of energy for the body and can aid weight loss when consumed in moderation.

Functions of Carbohydrate Foods for the Body

Carbohydrates also serve other, previously unknown purposes. What are they doing? See next paragraph for more information.

As Main Energy Source

The main function of carbohydrates that are commonly known by individuals is that carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the human body. Carbohydrates are the main fuel the body needs for energy. This energy is necessary for people to perform various tasks.

During the digestive process, the body works to break down sugar and starch found in food and then absorbs them into the circulation which then forms blood sugar or glucose. To carry out daily tasks, your body relies on glucose as a source of energy.

Glucose is needed not only by the body but also by the brain for optimal performance. If your body lacks the supply of carbohydrates, it can cause the body to become weak, weak, lethargic and lack of energy.

In this situation, your brain cannot function normally. A simple example is when you are hungry, you cannot think properly.

To Limit Calorie Intake – The Function of Carbohydrate Foods

The second function of carbohydrates is to limit the intake of calories that enter the body. Based on scientific research, the high fiber content in carbohydrates will help a person feel full faster and feel full longer than fat.

Carbohydrates also have minimal calories. In 1 gram of carbohydrates contains only 4 calories but in 1 gram of fat contains 9 calories. That way, carbohydrates function as effectively as managing your weight. Consuming carbohydrates in the body is very beneficial for healthy weight management.

Reducing the Risk of Certain Diseases

Being able to minimize the possibility of contracting certain diseases is also one of the functions of carbohydrates that are not generally understood.

Based on various studies conducted on dietary fiber and whole grains, it is hypothesized that they can lower the chances of developing several serious diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and help maintain a healthy digestive system.

Sources of carbohydrates that are high in dietary fiber include potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and whole grains, so intake of foods that contain carbohydrates is very good for maintaining digestive health, while minimizing the risk of dangerous diseases as mentioned above.

Maintaining Heart Health – The Function of Carbohydrate Foods

Carbohydrates also help maintain a healthy heart and other important organs. Heart health is very important to maintain, if our heart is not healthy, it is very dangerous and can bring some major disturbances that are deadly.

Foods that contain lots of fiber and carbohydrates can help reduce cholesterol accumulation in the heart. This accumulation of cholesterol is the main cause of heart attack or stroke.

Well, by consuming foods that contain lots of fiber and carbohydrates, so that it can reduce the formation of cholesterol in the heart. Therefore, it is correct to say that one of the roles of carbohydrates is to maintain heart health.

Carbohydrates from nutritious grains, vegetables, fruits can help keep your heart healthy. But there are other carbs to avoid, especially carbohydrate foods like cakes, foods high in fat, foods made with white flour and foods high in added sugar.

Determinants of the Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is a function of how quickly carbohydrates in food are absorbed by the body, and is based on the glycemic index.

The greater the glycemic index, the faster the food raises blood sugar levels, while foods that have a low glycemic index are absorbed by the body longer and cause blood sugar to not rise quickly.

A study shows that the practice of drinking or eating foods that have a high glycemic index such as sweet cakes, white bread, soft drinks, chocolate, and so on can increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

Maintaining the Digestive Tract – The Function of Carbohydrate Foods

Carbohydrates also help keep your digestive function in good shape. Constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive system disorders can be reduced by eating lots of carbohydrates.

A diet high in fiber and carbohydrates helps digestion run faster. On the other hand, if you don't eat enough carbs, you run the risk of not receiving enough fiber, which can lead to digestive problems.

A lack of carbohydrate-rich foods can cause problems with digestion, and you don't want that.

Good For Helping Brain Function

Carbohydrates also function as a support for the brain to work properly and adequately. When you consume carbohydrate foods, your brain will use energy to carry out its functions. It's true what they say about dealing with the brain taking energy.

It's also typical for someone to get hungry quickly while doing just anything that demands the intellectual capacity to do so. Carbohydrate consumption tends to reduce the body's energy reserves as well.

To revive brain cells that are tired and need fresh energy to function effectively, carbohydrates are used in this way.

So if you feel dizzy or lack concentration to think, maybe because you are hungry and need food. When hunger strikes, the brain becomes clogged and it's hard to think clearly.

Increases Nutrient Absorption

The eight functions of carbohydrates are optimizing protein function or increasing the absorption of nutrients from the food you consume. Therefore, it is very necessary to maintain the need for carbohydrates in the body so that protein functions can run properly and effectively.

Because protein itself is a very critical need and must be fulfilled in the body. Protein is needed by all organs of the human body to function effectively. Lactose, a type of carbohydrate, is very beneficial for your overall health.

Lactose from milk or yogurt is often the best source. This substance can make the body feel fuller for a long time or last longer. Lactose is also beneficial for the digestive system.

As a Regulator of Increased Blood Sugar Levels - The Function of Carbohydrate Foods

Carbohydrates have an important function in controlling blood sugar levels, which is a role that most people are not aware of. Most of the time, people eat carbohydrate-rich foods without even realizing it.

While the types of carbohydrates that contain lots of sugar can increase the concentration of sugar in the blood. If this is allowed to continue, it is very possible to suffer from diabetes. Well, the function of carbohydrates here is to moderate the growth of blood sugar levels.

To maintain optimal body function, it is necessary to consume various sources of carbohydrates (fiber and sugar). Sugar production and the risk of developing diabetes are both reduced by consuming this fiber.

Helps Maintain Muscle Mass

Body functions for the body can also help maintain muscle mass. When the body doesn't have enough fat stores to provide energy, the body will instinctively use muscles for tasks.

Storage of glucose reserves in the muscles is especially important at times like this, as it can help maintain healthy muscles. When glucose stores in the muscles have been used up completely, the muscles will take energy reserves which are still in the form of protein.

In the process of converting protein into energy, it will change the muscle mass in the human body. Protein is a very vital building material for muscle mass, where if protein is continuously utilized, muscle mass in the body will also decrease.

Physical energy and stamina decrease over time as muscle mass is lost with age and the physical body is reduced.

Even if it is too late to be cured, it can lead to death. The function of carbohydrates in this scenario is to minimize muscle breakdown and to offer glucose as an energy source for brain function.

Complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates are the two types of carbohydrates that can be found in food.

Carbohydrates that are classified as “complex” have a high concentration of sugar molecules and a high fiber content. Because it takes a long time to digest this type of carbohydrate.

The function of complex carbohydrates also has the benefit of being able to provide energy continuously without giving the body the opportunity to receive excess calorie intake that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. In addition, complex carbohydrates also have a reduced risk of fat accumulation in the body.

Whereas simple carbohydrates contain fewer sugar molecules, which allows the digestion process of this type of carbohydrate to be faster. Sugar itself is a simple form of carbohydrates.

Types of Foods That Contain Lots of Carbohydrates

So, what types of foods contain lots of carbohydrates?

Starch

Starch is the first food source with a high carbohydrate content. The category of complex carbohydrates includes starch. Food sources of starch are mainly made from wheat, pasta, bread, beans, corn, potatoes and so on.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are also a source of carbohydrates that are needed by the body. Simple carbohydrates can be found in fruits and vegetables because of their low sugar content and ease of digestion.

Milk

It is also a good idea to drink milk frequently to aid digestion as these are simple carbohydrates that are easily broken down and absorbed.

Conclusion

Currently, there are various ways to diet by eliminating foods that contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a great source of energy for the body and can aid weight loss when consumed in moderation.

The high fiber content in carbohydrates will help a person feel full faster and feel full longer than fat.

Carbohydrates from nutritious grains, vegetables, fruits can help keep your heart healthy.

Constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive system disorders can be reduced by eating lots of carbohydrates.

Now that's an explanation of the function of carbohydrate foods, I hope the information we provide is useful!