Lately, it seems as if carbohydrates have received a decidedly unfair reputation in the world of diet and fitness. Everybody’s quick to go low carb and blame their love of carbs on their ever-expanding waistlines. Today however, we’re looking at high carb foods which are healthy. The truth is that carbs are not making you fat. What’s making you fat is consuming too many carbs, along with too much protein and too much fat. Carbs are not your enemy. Whilst some simple carbs like refined sugars generally offer few health benefits, complex carbohydrates like the ones we’re going to be looking at today, can be very good for you. Here’s a look at 8 high carb foods which are healthy.
Oats
For those of you who want a healthy breakfast to start the day on the right note, oats should be top of your list. According to Smilizer.com, Oats are a fantastic source of carbohydrates which means that they provide slow-release energy that will sustain you over the course of several hours as they digest and breakdown. Oats also have a low glycaemic index and are rich in fiber which helps to control blood sugar levels. Oats are rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and potassium.
Buckwheat
You don’t tend to see many buckwheat products these days, and we’re not quite sure why that is. Buckwheat is not only tasty, it also happens to be extremely good for you. Buckwheat is gluten free and is surprisingly rich in protein. It’s a great source of fiber which helps to promote digestive health and satiety. What’s more, you’ll also find plenty of minerals in buckwheat as well.
Bananas
Bananas are one of the most versatile and diverse fruits in the world. Bananas are high in carbs and are great for energy production. Bananas provide complex carbohydrates which will give you a steady stream of energy as they digest and breakdown. Bananas also contain heaps of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. You’ll also find that they’re rich in pectin, which is a form of fiber that boosts digestive health.
Sweet Potatoes
People see the word ‘sweet’ here and assume that sweet potatoes are unhealthy and bad for you. They’re not! Sweet potatoes are amongst the healthiest foods in the world. Sweet potatoes get their brilliant orange colour from beta carotene, which functions as an antioxidant within the body. Despite their sweet taste, sweet potatoes are actually low in simple carbs and have a low glycaemic index, making them great for blood sugar regulation. Combine this with the vitamins and minerals found in them, and it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.
Beetroot
Beetroot is generally not really considered when talking about high carbs foods which are healthy, yet they should be. Beetroot is a brilliant purple vegetable that grows in the ground. It is a great source of fiber for digestive health and satiety. Not only that, but beetroot also helps provide Nitric Oxide increases in the body, which dilates the blood vessels and boosts circulation. Because of the inorganic nitrates found in beetroot, many athletes and sportsmen and women eat and drink beetroot to improve athletic performance.
Potatoes
Good old white potatoes are another healthy addition to our list of healthy carbs today. White potatoes are not as high in simple sugars as people think. They’re rich in slow-release carbs that help to provide energy for the consumer, without causing a spike in blood sugar levels or insulin. Potatoes are also very versatile so you can prepare them in a whole variety of different ways. If you want a healthy carb source that works wonders with many protein and fat sources, white potatoes are ideal.
Quinoa
Quinoa, which is pronounced keen-wah, is one of the healthiest foods in the world. It isn’t just a healthy carbohydrate, it’s a healthy food in general. Quinoa is not only a healthy carb, it’s also loaded full of protein as well. For people that don’t eat meat, or who follow a vegan lifestyle, quinoa is a great way of upping your protein intakes. Quinoa is a great source of antioxidants, that’s also naturally low in sugar. Quinoa is a healthy grain that is naturally rich in minerals, including: Potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. It’s also a great source of fibre, which makes it ideal for weight loss and weight management too.
Apples
We all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but just how good are apples really? It turns out that apples are actually extremely beneficial when it comes to our health and wellness. You see, apples are rich in vitamin C, as well as pectin, which functions as a source of soluble fibre. This is useful because it means that apples help to improve immunity, whilst helping to promote satiety in the process. Apples are loaded full of vitamin C, along with other antioxidants and minerals, which makes them very good for your health and well-being. They’re also a great source of slow-digesting carbs, which means that they’re ideal for anybody looking to enjoy prolonged bouts of energy before a long day ahead.
As you can see, there are plenty of high carbs foods which are healthy, along with plenty more which we haven’t yet added to our list. If you’re looking to enjoy healthy carbs that provide energy, sustenance, and flavour, be sure to enjoy the foods we’ve listed above.