Carbohydrates are Good and Bad for Your Health, Choose Which?

HEALTHY CHEERFUL - A recent study shows a low carbohydrate diet is not a healthy way you can take it. It's better to follow a diet that includes enough carbohydrates and from the right source.

Here are two sources of carbohydrates for your diet, as well as two sources that you can avoid as reported by the Medical Daily.

1. Need: potatoes

Despite the reputation of fattening and unhealthy, potatoes can be part of your diet as long as they are moderated and prepared in the right way.

Dietitians say the best method is to bake and eat potatoes with the skin. Most of the fiber content comes from the skin while this part of the vegetable contains vitamin C, potassium and even protein.

2. Avoid: processed grains

Unlike grains, fine varieties (such as white rice or white pasta) experience many modifications when processed. Especially, these foods lose their outer skin, namely the parts that carry a lot of fiber content.

"In these foods good things are wasted. Carbohydrates are quickly digested which will increase your blood sugar," said diet expert from Toronto, Abby Langer.

3. Need: pulses
According to a registered dietitian, Sharon Palmer, pulses or nuts harvested only for dried grains such as lentils, peas, black beans, are "very good and healthy sources of carbohydrates to fit into your diet. These ingredients are contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

4. Avoid: fruit juice
Fruit juice does give you antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. But these drinks are also high in sugar, high in carbohydrates and very low in fiber compared to when you eat fruit directly.

"A cup of 12 ounces of unsweetened apple juice contains about 48 grams of carbohydrates, which many people might not expect because this is liquid!" said Chicago-based dietician Maggie Michalczyk. (Antara / Lia Wanadriani Santosa)