Well today is nice and sunny, but cold... I haven't done a Food Fact Friday in a while, so I think it is time for one. Today's focus is on Low Carbs...
What are Carbohydrates? Carbs. are foods that provide immediate energy. There are 3 types: Complex, Simple, and Fiber. Complex Carbs. include such foods as Whole Wheat Breads, Fruits, Veggies, and Legumes. Simple Carbs. include White Bread, Table Sugar, and Soft Drinks. Fiber includes Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains, and Legumes. So, what is the big deal?
The big deal is that highly processed high-sugar foods trigger a large rapid dump of glucose into the blood which is released into the blood and the more the more insulin your pancreas secretes. Eventually this more than likely cause Diabetes, as well as many other health problems like High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease.
source: Better Homes and Gardens Easy Everyday Low Carb Cookbook: 2003 by Meredith Corp. Des Moines, Iowa.
Here are some Calorie Counts and Carb Counts of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:
1. Apple---med with skin.....81 calories.....21 carbs
2. Banana---1 small.....93 calories.....24 carbs
3. Orange---1.....62 calories.....15 carbs
4. Pineapple---3/4 cup.....57 calories.....14 carbs
5. Strawberries---1 1/2 cups.....65 calories.....15 carbs
Non-starchy Veggies:
1. Broccoli--- Raw.....1 cup.....25 calories.....5 carbs
2. Cauliflower---raw.....1 cup.....25 calories.....5 carbs
3. Lettuce, iceberg---1 cup.....7 calories.....1 carb
Starchy Veggies:
1. Corn---sweet, yellow, cooked.....1/2 cup.....88 calories.....21 carbs
2. Potato---white, boiled.....1/2 cup.....68 calories.....16 carbs
3. Potato---sweet, baked.....1/2 med.....59 calories.....14 carbs
source: USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
As you can see, Non-Starchy Veggies have the best carb content... But one can't live on non-starchy veggies alone. It takes some time and research to figure out what is best for you. I am still working on this for myself also. Good Luck and happy searching.
That is all for this Friday. Have a great weekend.
Until next time,
Mysterychef1
fruit photo by: mrpb27 http://www.flickr.com
veggie photo by: Sakurako Kitsa http://www.flickr.com
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