The Scoop on carbs

The Scoop on Carbs

The Low Carb Foods craze put the spotlight on carbohydrates, but it didn't always share the whole truth.

Highly Processed Carbohydrates

Eating too many highly processed carbohydrates is not good for us," says Colleen Pierre, R.D. "We're better off getting carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

These whole grains offer up the good carbohydrates needs as well as fiber minerals and antioxidants-things that are all health protective. In fact, medical evidence has shown that whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke , cancer, diabetes and obesity.

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In the past, carbs have been blamed for weight gain, but in truth, weight gain or loss depends on the total number of calories consumed (not carbohydrates) versus calories burned.

"People trying to lose weight are probably better off eating carbs, just as long as they get them from whole grains" says Pierre. "Whole grains give you energy and may even help you eat less because they digest slowly, so you stay fuller, longer."

Check the Packaging

So how do you tell if a product is made with whole grains? Check the packaging for the black and gold stamp of the Whole Grains Council.

There are two versions of the stamp: One tells you that the product has 100 percent whole grains, meaning 16 grams of whole grain or more per serving (that's equal to one full serving of whole grains, according to the USDA); the other stamp simply says "whole grain," which means 8 grams or more of whole grains per serving (equal to one-half serving of whole grain, according to USDA).

Don't see the stamp? Check the ingredients list. Whole grains should be the first item.

Reviewed by: Val Jones, M.D.
Date reviewed: March 10, 2007

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