Carbohydrates - do we need them at all?

The main rule of many diets is the elimination of carbohydrates. However, it should be remembered that they play a very important role in the functioning of our body.

People who decide to lose weight in the first place exclude carbohydrates from their diet. Some are switching to a low-sugar diet, while others raise the bar even higher by opting for a ketogenic diet where fats are the main source of energy.

Although unhealthy carbohydrates and amounts of carbohydrates can have an adverse effect on health and figure, they are essential in our diet. Find out how your body reacts when you eliminate carbohydrates from your diet.

Are carbohydrates necessary?

Yes! Carbohydrates are an essential nutrient for health and life. They play several key roles:

• They provide energy. When we eat carbohydrates, the body converts them into energy that we use at the moment or that we get later, in the form of glucose stored in the body. The body therefore needs carbohydrates to carry out its basic life functions. If we consume the amount of carbohydrates adapted to our activity, we will not have to worry about unnecessary fat tissue.
• They protect the muscle tissue. When we move, the body needs energy that comes from. If they are deficient, the body uses energy from muscle tissue, which reduces our muscle mass.
• They are essential for building tissues. Carbohydrates are essential for building and regenerating tissues throughout the body.
• They help protect the digestive system. Many carbohydrate products also contain fiber, which is essential for digestion. Getting the right amount of fiber also helps protect against colon cancer.

What happens when you eliminate almost all carbohydrates from your diet?

It is very important to remember that carbohydrates can come in many forms. Those contained in processed products, e.g. in sweets and baked goods, of course, do not have a good effect on health and figure.

Carbohydrates from rice, pasta or flour products should be replaced with legumes, whole grains and nuts. In this way, we will provide the body with valuable nutrients, and at the same time we will achieve additional benefits, such as:

Burning body fat

As already mentioned, carbohydrates are converted by our body into energy stores, which - if not used - turn into adipose tissue. If you limit your carbohydrate intake, your body will begin to draw energy from fat, making your figure look more beautiful.

Must Read: Is veganism disadvantageous for athletes?

Feeling full for longer

While many people say that you must starve to burn fat, science confirms that this is a myth. Your best bet is to find a way to keep you feeling full for longer by eating smaller portions and getting fewer calories.

If you eat a small low GI meal at short intervals, e.g. every 3 hours, you will feel full until your next meal. To achieve this effect, however, you need to choose wisely the carbohydrate sources that you supply your body.

Nourished muscle tissue

By including a large amount of healthy carbohydrates in your diet, i.e. those with a low glycemic level, you provide your body with a systematic supply of energy. As a result, it rarely reaches for energy from the muscles, and thus protects the muscle tissue.

It is worth noting that the greater the percentage of muscle tissue in our body, the more calories we burn, also when resting. Therefore, everyone should take care of the protection and development of muscle tissue.

Remember that carbohydrates are essential for the proper functioning of the body, but not all of them serve it well. Try to limit processed carbohydrates from sugar, sweets and baked goods, and eat more vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.

In this way, you will help your body in the proper functioning of the digestive and metabolic systems. And only in this way you can burn unnecessary fat.