Maybe one of the most controversial macronutrients but under rated when it comes to eating for the health of our gut. There are many low carbohydrates or no carbohydrate fads around that all are essentially getting rid of this macronutrient. This isn't doing our gut microbiome any favours and can actually be contributing to things like constipation, gut permeability and autoimmune issues.
Carbohydrates are not only the ultimate source of fibre in our body - they are also one of the most important ways to impact our microbial composition.
Simple Carbohydrates vs. Complex Carbohydrates
Understanding and eating more complex carbohydrates is better than a plate filled with simple carbohydrates - sadly nutrition labels don’t always tell us if the carbohydrate content is simple or complex.
Knowing how these foods are classified and how they work in our body can help us choose correctly.
Most of us equate carbohydrates with bread and pasta, but they are found in so many more delicious and healthy varieties. Simple carbohydrates equal simplistic nutrition. Some common simple carbohydrates to try and avoid are soda or soft drink, baked treats, packaged biscuits, fruit juice (concentrate), standard breakfast cereals,
The more complex the carbohydrate, the better. Complex carbohydrates pack in more nutrients, make the energy to carry us through our day and truly are our intestinal cleaners.
Some of the following complex carbohydrates to include as a regular part of our plate are - whole grains, pulses, all vegetables, all salads, all herbs. Whilst these are all amazing for our health, choosing the right carbohydrates can take time and practice.