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Carbohydrate Diet A carbohydrate diet is one that is highly beneficial for the smooth running of the various vital organs in the body as well as the bodily functions. Glucose that is obtained during the metabolism of carbohydrates by the digestive enzymes is the most preferred source of fuel and energy of the body. There are some parts of carbohydrates that are not completely digestible and these are known as the fiber. Fiber aids digestion and prevents problems like heartburn and constipation. A high carbohydrate diet is recommended by most dieticians as carbohydrates especially complex carbohydrates are essential for muscle contractions and they also result in the individual feeling energetic and fresh.
On the other hand a low carbohydrate diet will include those foods that are high in proteins and fats so as to compensate for the reduction in the supply of energy which would have otherwise been received from carbohydrates. A low carb diet plan includes foods like poultry, beef, pork products, some fruits and even legumes and beans. On the other hand a high carb diet plan will include foods like whole grains and cereals, oatmeal, and bran. These foods are also high in fiber besides just carbohydrates. Most people resort to a low carb diet plan for the purpose of weight management or weight reduction. It is also a treatment option for obesity. A High carb diet plan will result in the smooth functioning of the central nervous system and the digestive tract of the individual. This diet plan also helps in weight management to a certain extent because complex carbohydrates take longer to be digested and absorbed and hence the individual feels full for a longer period of time and does not tend to eat continuously. Complex carbohydrates and carbohydrates in general are the primary source of fuel for the body. An effective and healthy carbohydrate diet should begin with whole grains at the start of the day. These can be consumed for breakfast in the form of foods such as cereal and oats. One can also consider whole grain products as a snack or lunch option. Instead of foods that have a high starch content like potatoes, one may follow a healthy carbohydrate diet by eating brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and bulgur. One should also try and consume whole fruits rather than fruits juice. This is because a fruit such as an orange has twice as much fiber and half the quantity of sugar as compared to a 12 ounce glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Another important component of a healthy carbohydrate diet is beans as they are an excellent source of slowly digested carbohydrates and proteins as well.
The carbohydrate addict diet is based on the theory that many overweight people are addicted to carbohydrates. In such people the various biological processes that are supposed to convert food into energy do not do so and they also exhibit high levels of insulin in the blood result. The carbohydrate addict diet believes that by restricting the intake of carbohydrates during the day, the body will release less insulin as compared to those who had been on a high carb diet. Since less insulin is released by the body, less fat is supposedly stored and more fat is instead burned up. Additionally, as per this diet, since the body releases less insulin, the brain releases a biochemical called serotonin that makes the individual feel satiated. Similarly the specific Carbohydrate Diet is aimed at restricting the intake of complex carbohydrates by an individual.
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