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Between fad diets and the recent protein craze, carbohydrates are seen by some as macronutrient non grata. The thing is, carbs are actually one of the most important nutrients for providing your body with energy and nutrition <\/strong>(1<\/a>).<\/p>\n As the body\u2019s primary source of fuel, carbs power up your brain for work and your body for every workout (1<\/a>). <\/p>\n Though they\u2019re not the dietary evil they\u2019ve been made out to be, carbs are also not created equal. Choosing wisely can make a big difference in supporting your health goals<\/strong> (1<\/a>, 3<\/a>). <\/p>\n In this guide, we\u2019ll break down what carbs are, how they work in the body, and how to choose the healthiest sources to keep you feeling your best.<\/p>\n Carbohydrate is an umbrella term that refers to many different foods, including those with sugars, starches, and fiber. Carbohydrates are a type of macronutrient, and they play a crucial role in providing energy for your body (1<\/a>). <\/p>\n When you eat carbohydrates, they break down in your bloodstream into glucose. Glucose powers everything from our muscles to our brain, making it especially important for anyone focused on <\/strong>staying active, sharp, and energized throughout the day to consume carbohydrates<\/strong> (1<\/a>).<\/p>\n Carbohydrates come in two main forms: simple and complex carbs (1<\/a>). These terms refer to their chemical structure, but it\u2019s not necessarily an indication of how healthy a food is (1<\/a>).<\/p>\n Simple carbs include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Note that milk and fruit are packaged with other nutritious substances, such as protein and calcium in milk and fiber in fruit.<\/p>\n Complex carbs include<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Choosing the right types of carbs, like whole grains and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, can help you maintain stable energy levels and support long-term health. So, while carbs sometimes get a bad rap, they\u2019re an essential part of a balanced diet and a key to feeling and performing at your best (1<\/a>).<\/p>\n What\u2019s the Difference Between Simple and Complex Carbs? A Dietitian Explains<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Carbohydrates are essential for several biological functions (1<\/a>).<\/p>\n \u201cCarbs are absolutely necessary to feel your best and achieve good health,\u201d says Daisy Mercer, a registered dietitian with MyFitnessPal. \u201cWe need carbs to <\/strong>think<\/strong><\/a> our best and for many other <\/strong>bodily functions<\/strong><\/a> to work optimally<\/strong>,\u201d adds Mercer (1<\/a>).<\/p>\n When you eat carbs, they break down into glucose, which fuels all of your cells and is especially important for high-energy organs like the brain and muscles (1<\/a>). <\/p>\n Carbs support:<\/p>\n General guidelines for daily carbohydrate intake can vary based on factors like age, sex, and activity level. That said, for most adults, carbohydrates should make up about 45-65% of daily calories<\/strong>, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (1<\/a>).<\/p>\n This translates to somewhere between 130 grams and 390 grams of carbohydrates per day for the average adult (7<\/a>). But keep in mind that children, larger adults, and anyone who is very physically active often need more carbs (7<\/a>).<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a quick look at how carbohydrate amounts stack up for everyday folks of different ages and calorie levels. (7<\/a>)<\/p>\nWhat Are Carbohydrates?<\/h2>\n
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<\/div>\nThe Role of Carbohydrates in the Body<\/h2>\n
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Recommended Daily Intake of Carbohydrates<\/h2>\n
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