Carbohydrates are found in many foods and different forms.
Some high-carb foods provide nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber.
Fruits
Fruits are among the top high-carb foods.
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They also provide potassium, vitamin C, folate, and a vast array of nutrients and phytonutrients.
(The fruits color comes from its phytonutrients.)
Edible peels are also packed with nutrients.
Seven high-carb fruits include:
Vegetables
Most vegetables have between 2 and 10 grams of total carbohydrates.
Despite having fewer carbs than fruits, many vegetables have just as much fiber.
Like fruits, vegetables contain potassium, folate, vitamins A and C, and vital phytonutrients.
Starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and peas are exceptions.
They have a higher amount of complex carbs than other vegetables.
While the plant is typically used to feed livestock, people enjoy beans and peasthe edible seeds from legumes.
Beans are excellent sources of complex carbs, fiber, and potassium.
Unlike other high-fiber foods, theyre also rich sources of protein.
One-half cup of cooked beans provides around 8 g of protein.
Thats why refined grains have a light color (white flour and rice).
However, dairy products are different from other high-carb foods because they dont contain fiber.
For example, 1 ounce of cheddar cheese contains less than 1 gram of carbs.
Why Does The punch in Of Carb Matter?
The key in of carb determines how it affects your body and health.
Carbs can be categorized into three main types:
Simple carbsmay be added sugars or naturally occurring sugars.
Added sugars are empty calories that provide energy without any nutritional value.
Naturally occurring sugars, such as those in fruits, also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Complex carbscan behealthyorless healthy choices, depending on what you choose.
For example, some complex carbs (whole grains) are full of nutrients and fiber.
Other complex carbs (processed grains) have no fiber and few nutrients but plenty of sugar.
However, added sugars may increase your risk of weight gain and obesity.
The Nutrition Facts on food labels can help you to determine theamount of carbsin your food.
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