If complex carbohydrates are broken down to monosaccharides (simple carbs) in the intestines before they are absorbed into the bloodstream, why are they better than refined sugar or other di- or mono-saccharides?
The processes of digestion and absorption.
1. Simple sugars require little digestion, and when you eat something sweet like candy or a soft drink, the glucose level of the blood rises very rapidly.
2. The pancreas secretes a large amount of insulin to keep blood glucose levels from rising too high.
3. The insulin response is so large that it tends to make the blood sugar fall to levels that are too low a few hours after the sugar has been consumed.
4. This tendency of blood glucose levels to fall may then lead to an adrenaline surge, which in turn can cause nervousness and irritability.
The same roller-coaster ride of glucose and hormone levels is not experienced after eating complex carbohydrates or after eating a balanced meal because the digestion and absorption processes are much slower. This fast absorption of simple carbs is what causes the body to convert and store most of it as fat.
Words of Wisdom:
No comments:
Post a Comment