Why are “complex carbohydrates” so important?
By Kakie Fitzsimmons, , Farmer’s Hat Productions co-author Bur Bur and Friends book series
When we founded Farmer’s Hat Productions, we wanted our books and characters to serve as tools/role models that educate kids about healthy lifestyles. Recently some information came acoss my desk involving different kinds of carbohydrates and their purpose. Like anything else, carbohydrates are good when used with a balanced diet.
It got me thinking that there might be a number of people out there that aren’t quite sure what complex carbohydrates are or why they are an important source of energy — especially for children. As a parent who is trying to raise a child as healthily as possible I wanted to share the knowledge. As a result, I pulled some information together to help others navigate the topic of complex carbs.
For the record, let me share. Complex carbs, take longer for our bodies to digest than simple carbohydrates. As a result, when eaten, they hold off your hunger longer and create more effective energy for your body. The best way to benefit from complex carbohydrates are when they are eaten in their natural state. Examples include oatmeal, barley, maize, wheat germ, corn meal, buckwheat, brown rice, legumes and beans, nuts, etc.
When I learned this information it made a difference in the choices I have made for myself and my son. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has some great information you can look up to learn more about these types of foods.
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