The Impact of Carbohydrates on Bodily Health

Carbohydrates  a macro-nutrient essential for various bodily functions, have long been a topic of intense debate and scrutiny within the realm of nutrition and health sciences. While carbohydrates play a vital role in providing energy, their potential detrimental effects on overall health have been the subject of extensive research .

The notion that carbohydrates can be “dangerous” for the body is not without merit. Studies have shown that an excessive intake of refined and processed carbohydrates, such as those found in sugary foods and drinks, can contribute to a range of health issues, including weight gain, insulin resistance, and the development of type 2 diabetes (Kussmann et al., 2023; Peters et al., 2022;  Pérez & Smith, 2019; Maki & Phillips, 2014). In addition, carbohydrates can also lead to unfavorable changes in blood lipid profiles and exacerbate hypertension (Meng et al., 2018).

However, it is important to note that the quality and quantity of carbohydrates consumed play a crucial role in determining their impact on health (Wheatley et al., 2021). Eating konjac food can help you control glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which are key factors in the prevention and management of diabetes. Konjac contain a type of viscous fiber that can slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, thereby moderating the glycemic response (Gao et al., 2019). 

The most important is konjac food have low carb, high fiber that can improve blood sugar regulation and promote healthy blood lipid levels compared to many other carbohydrate-rich foods. Other than that, low-carbohydrate diets may offer some benefits, such as weight loss and improvements in blood lipid profiles (Lante et al., 2023).

In conclusion, the role of carbohydrates in overall health is a complex and often controversial topic. While excessive consumption of refined and processed carbohydrates can be detrimental, a balanced and well-planned diet that emphasizes the consumption of high-quality, fiber-rich carbohydrates can be an essential component of a healthy lifestyle .

References

1. Gao, T., Jiao, Y., Liu, Y., Li, T., Wang, Z., & Wei, W. (2019, October 7). Protective Effects of Konjac and Inulin Extracts on Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2019, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3872182
2. Kussmann, M., Cunha, D H A., & Berciano, S. (2023, July 17). Bioactive compounds for human and planetary health. Frontiers Media, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1193848
3. Lante, A., Canazza, E., & Tessari, P. (2023, April 28). Beta-Glucans of Cereals: Functional and Technological Properties. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 15(9), 2124-2124. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092124
4. Maki, K C., & Phillips, A K. (2014, December 3). Dietary substitutions for refined carbohydrate that show promise for reducing risk of type 2 diabetes in men and women.. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622086035
5. Meng, H., Matthan, N R., Fried, S K., Berciano, S., Walker, M E., Galluccio, J., & Lichtenstein, A H. (2018, June 21). Effect of Dietary Carbohydrate Type on Serum Cardiometabolic Risk Indicators and Adipose Tissue Inflammatory Markers. Oxford University Press, 103(9), 3430-3438. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2018-00667
6. Pérez, M A., & Smith, J L. (2019, April 10). THE GLOBAL BURDEN OF DIABETES: PREVALENCE, PREVENTION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. Ricardo Palma University, 19(2). https://doi.org/10.25176/rfmh.v19.n2.2079
   Peters, A., Hartwig, M., & Spiller, T R. (2022, June 10). Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Explained by the Free Energy Principle. Frontiers Media, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.931701
7. Wheatley, S., Deakin, T., Arjomandkhah, N C., Hollinrake, P B., & Reeves, T E. (2021, July 15). Low Carbohydrate Dietary Approaches for People With Type 2 Diabetes—A Narrative Review. Frontiers Media, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.687658