What are carbohydrates and why do some people go on low-carb diets?

Question

Please help. Need help.

Answer 1

I am on a very carbohydrate controlled diet. I am a diabetic. I have to monitor carbs in order to maintain an acceptable glucose level in my blood. Too few and I can pass out, enter a coma and eventually die. Too many and I damage internal organs and my nervous system to the point that organ failure could kill me.

I strive to maintain a diet with as close to 45 grams of carbohydrates per meal as I possibly can. If you start reading the nutrition labels on food products, paying particular attention to the serving size and the Total Carbohydrates per serving, you will soon come to realize why diabetics complain about their diets. Reducing or eliminating refined sugars such as candy, cake, pies, donuts and the like is just the tip of the iceberg. Just remember "TOO" much of anything can be bad. Even protein in too high of concentrations can cause kidney damage. Just eat a balanced diet. It's the easy way to health.

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Answer 2

Carbohydrates come in two basic forms: complex and simple. Simple carbs are one, two, or at most three units of sugar linked together in single molecules. Complex carbs are hundreds or thousands of sugar units linked together in single molecules. Simple sugars are easily identified by their taste: sweet. Complex carbs, such as potatoes, are pleasant to the taste buds, but not sweet.

People go on low carb diets to reduce calories and lose weight - but it only helps temporarily. The only real way to lose weight is a balanced diet from all the food groups - with portions appropriate for your activity level and a sensible exercise plan. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

why not just go do some reading? here's a link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbohydrate

as for the low carb diets, that was all about marketing a book. crazy how so many became experts overnight, only to realize in a few weeks they were so utterly wrong. eat healthy, don't follow fads created by marketing firms.