What are carbohydrates and how do they function in our body? What is the impact of the carbohydrates on our weight? These are questions we should ask ourselves, as it turns out, carbohydrates are much more dangerous for weight than fats.

What types of carbohydrates are there?

Generally the carbohydrates devide into two major groups: 
simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates (stratches). 

The simple carbohydrates are also known as simple sugars. 
Such are glucose, fructose galactose, sucrose, and are contained in products like table sugar, fruit, juice, milk, yogurt, sweets. 

The complex carbohydrates are long chains of simple sugar units. This group includes fiber and stratches. Examples are bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. 

How are the carbohydrates used by the body?

The carbohydrates are used by the liver, that turns them into simple sugars, or glucose, which on the other hand are necessary for the production of insulin. The insulin's function is to get the sugar into the body's cells, so that it is used as energy.

The effect of the two different types of carbohydrates on the organism is different. The simple carbohydrates cause the insulin level to increase faster, and the carbohydrates are used up faster for energy. Complex carbs take longer to digest, and result in longer lasting energy, and lower insulin level in the body.

What is important to know, is that if too much glucose is produced, it is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen, so that it could be used as energy for the body if needed. What is not stored as glycogen, is stored as fat.

Carbohydrates and Diets

Common idea in today's most popular diets, is that they contain as lower level of carbs-intake as possible. Such diets are called "low-carb" diets. They are based on the idea, that high-carbohydrate intake causes an overproduction of insulin, and accordingly leads to overeating, obesity and insulin resistance.

However, it is important to know, that the body needs a certain amount of carbs, in order to function properly. That is why, you should make sure, you don't exclude carbs generally from your food intake. The lack of carbs can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, even poor mental function. A LOW-CARB DIET is recommendable, if you want to lose your extra pounds, but not for a long time. Many low-carb diets seem to be healthy, but if taken to the extreme, they can be even dangerous and affect your body.  

1. Eat fruits instead of candy or cookies.
2. Choose whole grain bread and pasta instead of regular white bread and pasta.
3. Eat lots of green vegetables every day.
4. Drink a lot of water.