Debate about which foods are right to consume and which are not, is not new. For some people, some foods are wondrous while for others they are not. This article discusses the issue about starchy carbs vs fibrous carbs. Keep reading.
Many people are confused about starchy carbs and fibrous carbs, and to add to this confusion is the fact that they are used as weight loss remedies. However, which one of these carbohydrates aids weight loss, is even more confusion. Moreover, the classification of carbohydrates into simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates is another complex issue. Not to worry, the aim of this NutriNeat article is to simplify the carbohydrates entangle and throw light on starchy carbs vs fibrous carbs.
Carbohydrates: An Overview and Importance
To begin with, carbohydrates are organic compounds present in various foods and are major sources of energy for our body. There are two major classification of carbohydrates, namely simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are also called starchy carbs, because they are made up of a long complex carbohydrates chain. Fibrous carbs are a component of complex carbs, just like minerals and vitamins in any other foods. There are foods which are mainly composed of starch and are called starchy carb foods, while other foods which have fiber as their main component, are called foods rich in fibrous carbs. The table below will help you understand things better.
Carbohydrates of all types are usually broken down into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream, giving us the required supply of energy. Now, with simple carbohydrates (like jams, table sugar, candies, desserts and so on) the digestion process goes quick and you tend to feel hungry again, in a short while. But, in case of complex carbohydrates, the assimilation and absorption process goes at a much slower pace, hence, it gives you a more sustained source of energy and keeps you feeling fuller for a long time. Since complex carbs follow a slow digestion process, they keep you feeling fuller and usually considered healthier as opposed to simple carbs. Let us discuss a little more in detail about these complex carbs, aka as starchy carbs, and its subset, fibrous carbs.
Starchy Carbs Vs. Fibrous Carbs
Starchy Carbs
- Starches are long complex chains of simple carbs, hence they are called complex carbohydrates.
- Starches usually please your palate, but are less healthy.
- Starchy carbs are not ideal for intake if you are on a weight loss regime.
- Not usually recommended for sugar-sensitive people, as it tends to shoot up blood sugar levels.
- Intake of starchy carbs can lead to mood swings and increase your craving for sugar or sweet foods.
- Foods that are good sources of starchy carbs include potatoes, rice, breads, legumes, grains, pizzas, beans, corn, cereals, fries, and sweet potato.
Fibrous Carbs
- Fibrous carbs are a part of the complex carbohydrates group.
- Fibrous carbs are not so good in taste, but are way healthier than starches.
- Fibrous carbs boost your metabolism and are the main ingredient of a weight loss regime.
- Intake of fibrous carbs are a must for sugar-sensitive person, as it tends to burn extra fat in the body, keeping you away from obesity.
- Fibrous foods only concentrate in giving you complete nutritional value and improve your metabolic activity.
- Foods that are good sources of fibrous carbs include spinach, sweet lime, blackcurrants, squash, apples, almonds, zucchini, bananas, walnuts, lettuce, legumes, and broccoli.
From the above discussion, you must have realized that fibrous carbs are a part of starchy carbs. Although not all starchy carbs have fibrous carbs as their component, but those which have them are definitely healthier and are more sustained sources of energy. A high intake of fibrous carbs are advisable as they maximize the number of fat burning enzymes and keep you looking fit and healthy!
