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Carbohydrates: How carbs fit into a healthy diet
Understanding carbohydrates
More carbohydrate terms: Net carbs and glycemic index
How many carbohydrates do you need?
Content
What are carbohydrates?
Types of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates and your health
Providing energy
Protecting against disease
Controlling weight
How many carbohydrates do I need?
Choose your carbohydrates wisely
Make carbs one part of a balanced meal
Focus on eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
Replace refined grains with whole grains
Stick to low-fat dairy products
Boost the use of beans, peas and lentils
Limit added sugars
How carbs fit into your healthy diet
More carbohydrate terms: Net carbs and glycemic index
How many carbohydrates do you need?
Content
What are carbohydrates?
Types of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates and your health
Providing energy
Protecting against disease
Controlling weight
How many carbohydrates do I need?
Choose your carbohydrates wisely
Make carbs one part of a balanced meal
Focus on eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
Replace refined grains with whole grains
Stick to low-fat dairy products
Boost the use of beans, peas and lentils
Limit added sugars
How carbs fit into your healthy diet
Providing energy
Carbohydrates are the body's main fuel source. During digestion, complex sugars and starches are broken down into simple sugars. Glucose is the main type of carb used by the body for energy.
Glucose gets to cells through the bloodstream, which is why glucose also is called blood sugar. From the bloodstream, the hormone insulin helps glucose get into cells. If the body doesn't need the glucose, it can be stored in other forms. The liver and muscles store glucose as glycogen. Glucose also can be stored as body fat.
