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Which statements are true and which are false?

Carbohydrate Quiz

CARBOHYDRATE – CURSE OR BLESSING?

In order to perform at their best our brain cells produce energy constantly. The energy production takes place in each cell separately in the domestic power plant. The starting substance for this is glucose (grape sugar), which we mainly absorb in the form of carbohydrates through food.

WHAT DOES BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS HAVE TO DO WITH OUR PERFORMANCE?

The brain cells get the glucose they need from our blood. Constant energy production is only possible if a certain blood sugar level is maintained. If the blood sugar level is too low, the brain tries to force us to eat as quickly as possible. That works by triggering symptoms such as cravings, poor circulation or concentration problems. As soon as carbohydrates are eaten, the blood sugar level rises again. The type of carbohydrates plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels.

WHAT TYPES OF CARBOHYDRATES ARE THERE?

A basic distinction is made between simple and complex carbohydrates. The only difference between these types is the number of sugar molecules and how they are built together. The complexity and number of the sugar molecules thus determine how fast the individual sugar molecules can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The more complex the chain, the longer it takes for the digestive enzymes to break it down.

Colloquially, we know simple carbohydrates as sugar. They are contained, for example, in sweets, cakes, muesli bars, but also in jam, honey, fruit juices, soft drinks or fruit. If we ingest these foods, the blood sugar level rises rapidly and steeply. We feel a brief high in performance, which is unfortunately replaced just as quickly by a new low in performance, since the blood sugar level drops again just as quickly as it rose.

In order to avoid this rollercoaster ride and to maintain constant performance, long-chain, complex carbohydrates should be preferred. Although they also consist of individual sugar molecules, these are released into the blood more slowly and more evenly. Complex carbohydrates are found in larger amounts  in whole grain cereals and whole grain products (bread, pasta, rice, muesli), legumes and potatoes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fiber also belongs to the carbohydrate group.

Just like short- and long-chain carbohydrates, dietary fiber consists of individual sugar molecules. The only difference is that we don’t have enzymes that can cut these chains apart. The result is that almost all of the sugar chains end up in the toilet. It has long been assumed that they provide no benefit to the human body and are just “baggage”. In fact, fiber does a lot of good things on its way down, such as:

  • Positive influence on the blood sugar level
  • Promoting digestion
  • Development of a healthy intestinal flora and thus strengthening of the immune system
  • Increased saturation without energy input
  • Natural cholesterol lowering

Good sources of fiber are whole grain cereal products, vegetables, fruit (especially berries), legumes, nuts and seeds.

Conclusion

Carbohydrates are not bad in principle, you just have to know which type has which effects on the body and is therefore to be preferred.