Anna Delany and Joan Bushman
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Those from the unrefined group make better choices. Unrefined carbohydrates provide your body with energy for a longer period of time. They also keep your blood sugar levels even and provide fiber for your digestive system. Foods high in fiber fill you up quickly and are generally harder to overeat.
Good sources of unrefined carbohydrates include whole-grain bread, brown rice, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Refined carbohydrates provide short bursts of energy to your body. They may cause your blood sugar levels to spike and then drop, leaving you feeling hungry again a short time after eating. It can be easy to eat too many refined carbohydrates.
Examples of refined carbohydrate foods include candy, cookies, donuts, and soft drinks.
So don't cut carbohydrates from your diet, but do choose wisely and stick to complex carbohydrates whenever possible. And as with all foods, watch your portion size!
This article was compiled in consultation with CalorieKing.com experts and in reference to the following sources:
World Health Organization, ‘Carbohydrates in Human Nutrition – Interim Report of a joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation,’ 1997
Last updated: February 28th, 2007
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