#HealthBytes: Top 5 sources of healthy carbs you should consume
Carbohydrates have earned an unfairly bad reputation, as they're believed to be a major cause for obesity. But this is only partly true- not all carbs are fat-causing. Of-course, junk food (high in processed sugars and refined grains) is bad for health, but fiber-rich, whole-grains have amazingly positive effects on your body. Here are top 5 sources of healthy carbs you should consume.
Good old Oats to the rescue!
The world-renowned breakfast choice is one of the best sources of carbohydrates. With just one cup serving of oats, you get as much as 104g of carbohydrates, 17 out of which consist of fiber. Additionally, oats also contain beta-glucan, a super-fiber that can help lower cholesterol, slow-down food digestion, and improve fullness. Top your oats-bowl with plenty of fruits to augment its nutritional value.
One of the best carbohydrates-rich grains
Brown rice is the best rice type as it is filing, healthy, and above all, it won't make you fat. One of the richest sources of carbohydrates among grains, brown rice can provide you 45 grams of carbohydrates per cupful of serving. Further, the fiber in brown rice gives you long-lasting energy.
There's more to sweet potato than just good taste!
Rich in simple starches, complex carbohydrates, fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins, Sweet potatoes are an amazingly healthy food choice. In a 100 calorie serving, you get 27 grams of total carbohydrates. The carotenoids in it help in cell repair, while the starchy carbohydrates help restock energy stores. Additionally, the fiber helps you stay full for long, thereby keeping your unhealthy snacking habit in check.
Easy-to-eat, easy-to-digest, and superbly healthy
Banana is an amazingly easy food- both in context of eating and digestion. It's one of the best fruit sources of carbohydrates- one large banana can provide you with as much as 20 grams of carbohydrates. Further, it contains the essential electrolyte- potassium, which aids in maintaining nerve and muscle function in body. So, peel and eat, add to salads, or make banana jams!
Blueberries come packed with carbs, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
Apart from the juicily delicious taste, blueberry is termed as a 'superfood' because of its richness in plant compounds and powerful antioxidants. A cupful of the fruit supplies about 10 grams of carbohydrates, and many essential vitamins and minerals- including Vitamin-C & K, and manganese. Studies have shown that blueberries can protect your body from oxidative damage and even prevent loss of memory.
