A-Tale-of-Two-Carbs
December 26, 2011
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Minneapolis/St. Paul
• 0 Comments
A Tale of Two Carbs
To paraphrase a master: It is the best of foods. It is the worst of foods. If there is one thing that we’ve learned from the diet revolution of the past 20 to 30 years is that not all carbohydrates are created equal. One type is required for optimal health; the other should be mostly avoided. The two types of carbohydrates are:
- Simple Carbohydrates
- Complex Carbohydrates
Of the two, complex carbohydrates provide the most nutrition for your body, while simple carbs are the “bad” carbs that you should mostly avoid. And while you don’t need to be a Minneapolis culinary arts student to understand the differences between these two carbs, you should take the time to learn all that you can. Your health could depend upon it.
Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbs, or sugars, are the carbohydrates associated with junk foods like chips, candies, cookies, processed grains, and other sugary treats. The sugars they contain are fast burning carbs that provide empty calories that normally lack any other nutritional value. Baking school graduates are well known for their ability to produce delicious, high carb pastries, cakes, breads, and other confections. And while they are tempting, you should avoid them as regular menu items.
Fruits are the exception to the rule of avoiding simple carbs. Even though fruits contain sugars that are exactly the same as those of candies and sweets, they also contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients that make them excellent sources of simple carbohydrates. Anyone with diabetes, however, should consult a doctor before consuming fruits and fruit juices. Sugar is sugar no matter what its source.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex Carbohydrates, or starches, are the carbs found in beans, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds. Complex carbohydrates break down more slowly and don’t create quick spikes in blood sugar levels like simple carbs. Getting the necessary amount of dietary carbs from complex carbohydrates helps to prevent insulin sensitivity diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Complex carbohydrates are also excellent sources of fiber, a nutrient that contributes to digestive health.
The Glycemic Index
The best way to determine whether a food is high in simple or complex carbs is to known its glycemic index, or the rat at which they are broken down and enter the bloodstream as sugar. The higher the glycemic index, the more simple the carb. The lower the glycemic index number, the more complex the carb. You can find books and websites that will help you determine the glycemic index of individual foods. Try to consume foods with lower glycemic indexes to maximize the health benefits of carbohydrates without the negative effects of empty calories associated with simple carbs. If you already have a Minneapolis culinary arts education, then you can easily add glycemic information to your menu choices and make meals that are both satisfying and low in simple carbohydrates.
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis/St. Paul offers culinary arts and pâtisserie and baking training programs in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota area. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Minneapolis-St-Paul for more information.
Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.chefs.edu/disclosures. Le Cordon Bleu® and the Le Cordon Bleu logo are registered trademarks of Career Education Corporation. Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary. Credits earned are unlikely to transfer.