High carb foods that are good for you
There are speculations that carbs do more harm than good to the body.
This is not entirely true as there are several carb foods that provide lots of amazing health benefits.
Below, we provide you with a list of high-carb foods that are healthy and nutritious. There’s more to carbohydrates than you know!
Top 11 high carb foods that are good for you
Kidney beans
Kidney beans are rich in complex carbohydrates and are very effective at maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. They are better at controlling blood sugar than most carb sources. They contain anthocyanins and isoflavones, which help to protect against age-related diseases like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Carrot
The carrot is a crunchy, tasty, and highly nutritious tuber. It is a good source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K and B6, potassium, and antioxidants. In addition to helping you lose weight, carrots are helpful in keeping cholesterol and glucose levels low; thus are beneficial for people with diabetes.
Quinoa
Quinoa is recognized for its vast nutritional properties. It provides significant amounts of high-quality protein and healthy carbohydrates that exceed the biological value of other cereals. It is rich in essential amino acids and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Eating quinoa can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
Whole grain oats
Oats are food with excellent antioxidative properties that help protect the heart and brain. They are high in dietary fiber, healthy carbohydrates, phytochemicals, B vitamins, and minerals.
Broccoli
Broccoli provides healthy digestible carbohydrates that consist mainly of fiber. It is a cruciferous vegetable rich in nutrients, especially vitamin C, K, and folic acid.
Lentils
Lentils are part of the legume family and are rich in protein and fiber. They provide good carbohydrates, and thanks to their fiber content, they promote heart health.
Eating lentils may also help improve the immune response in cancer patients and contribute to digestion and weight loss.
Brown rice
Brown rice contains fiber, vitamins B1 and B6, and minerals such as selenium, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. They have a low glycemic index which may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Corn
Corn is a cereal rich in vitamins A and C and minerals such as copper, iron, and magnesium. They contain a significant amount of zeanthin, an antioxidant that helps eye health, and lutein which protects the skin from harmful sun rays and aging.
The carbohydrate and fiber they provide can help regulate cholesterol and glucose levels in the body.
Chickpeas
These are rich in protein, folate, fiber (both soluble and insoluble), iron, and phosphorus. They also provide healthy unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic acids, that might help improve heart conditions.
Chickpeas contain healthy carbohydrates in the form of amylose that help prevent a sudden increase in blood sugar.
Almonds
Almonds are nuts with high nutrient content and an exquisite flavor. Their many benefits include; regulation of glucose levels, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and helping maintains a healthy weight.
Avocado
This is a fruit rich in vitamins C, E, and K and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. It contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as omega 3 that may help improve cholesterol control and prevent cancer.
Conclusion
Aside from proteins and vitamins, carbohydrates also provide many excellent benefits. If you’re unsure of what carbs are good for you, you can stick to the list above – you can’t go wrong with them.
Generally, opt for complex carbohydrates (from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) rather than simple carbs; they are more nutritious and do not pose any health threats.
