Slow-digesting Carbohydrates - What We Need To Know

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Video: Slow-digesting Carbohydrates - What We Need To Know

Video: Slow-digesting Carbohydrates - What We Need To Know
Video: The Truth About Low-Carb Diets and 'Slow Carbs' 2024, November
Slow-digesting Carbohydrates - What We Need To Know
Slow-digesting Carbohydrates - What We Need To Know
Anonim

Carbohydrates are one of the "scariest" ingredients in our diet. Most diets today are based on low, if not total, carbohydrates. And they are found in almost every group of foods we eat - fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and even in some protein-rich foods such as legumes and nuts.

Slow and fast carbohydrates

Slow-digesting carbohydrates are contained in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They are rich in fiber and therefore take longer to digest and raise blood sugar more slowly. They also leave us full for a long time.

On the other hand, the fast carbohydrates found in refined white bread and baked goods with added sugar are devoid of fiber and other healthy nutrients. As their name suggests, they cause a rapid rise in blood sugar and we feel hungry soon after we eat.

What slow carbs can we eat

Vegetables

All vegetables that do not contain starch are suitable. These include spinach, kale, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, onions and asparagus. Eat less at each meal to get a healthy amount of carbohydrates that will provide you with a slow but steady supply of energy for hours after eating.

Fruits

Slow-digesting carbohydrates
Slow-digesting carbohydrates

Most fruits have a low to moderate glycemic index. If you want to eat only the slowest digestible carbohydrates to minimize variations in your blood sugar levels, avoid tropical fruits such as papaya, mango and pineapple. Instead, eat melons, cherries, apples, plums and pears.

Eat whole or sliced fruits that are minimally processed. Fruit juices, dried fruits and canned fruits contain fast-release carbohydrates.

Sweet potatoes

Although regular potatoes contain carbohydrates that can quickly raise your blood sugar levels, sweet potatoes are a good substitute for them with a slow release. Serve baked sweet potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes to accompany your healthy meals.

Nuts and nut oil

Nut oil has slow-drying carbohydrates
Nut oil has slow-drying carbohydrates

Nuts and nut oil are very low in carbohydrates and due to their high content of fiber, protein and healthy fats, these carbohydrates are digested at a very slow rate. Adding a few walnuts to a salad, eating a handful of macadamia nuts or eating almond oil on slices of fruit are good options to make you feel full and energized until your next meal. Avoid candied and chocolate-covered nuts and stick to natural nut oil, which does not contain added sweeteners.

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