Difference Between Good Carbohydrates and Bad Carbohydrates (With Table)

Good Carbohydrates are low in calories and high in nutrients. They will not contain any refined sugar, are low in salt and fat, and are high in fiber. Healthy grains such as brown rice and buckwheat, as well as lentils and legumes, are examples of good carbohydrates.

Bad Carbohydrates are high in calories but lacking in nutrients. They are also heavy in salt, fat, and cholesterol and poor in fiber. Cupcakes, cakes, biscuits, and donuts are examples of bad carbohydrates, as are sugary drinks and artificial sweeteners, and items with added sugar, such as chocolates and sodas

Comparison Table Between Good Carbohydrates and Bad Carbohydrates

What are Good Carbohydrates?

Good carbohydrates (Complex carbs) are deemed “healthy” because they include longer glucose molecules that take longer for the body to disintegrate. Foods mostly composed of refined carbs, pastries, beverage provides an initial supply of energy, yet they are quickly absorbed and elevate your blood sugar.

This results in the post-sugar slump you may be acquainted with, as well as feeling hungry again shortly thereafter. Because good or complex carbohydrates have a bigger molecular structure, they take longer to break down. The better ones also include a lot of fiber, which helps the food go through the digestive tract slowly.

Aside from [controlling blood sugar], good carbs frequently contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that simple carbs just don’t. Soluble fiber, which is present in complex carbohydrates such as apples and oats, can help decrease your LDL, or “evil” cholesterol.

Those items high in complex carbs include more vital nutrients, including fibers and B vitamins than meals high in simple carbohydrates, if you choose whole grains over refined starches.

Eating 25-35 g of fiber every day will help you not only lose weight but also keep it off in the long run. Complex carbs may be a nutritious element of any meal or snack. You can always combine them with high-quality protein to boost your energy and satiety.

What are Bad Carbohydrates?

Bad carbohydrates (simple carbs) are readily processed down by the body and consumed as energy. Simple carbs or bad carbs may be found in foods like fruits, milk, and dairy products.

They can also be present in sugar and processed sweets such as confectionery, table sugar, syrups, and soft drinks. Bad or simple, often known as sugars, are made up of smaller chains of molecules and are easily digestible than complex carbs.

Since they are relatively easy for the body to absorb, before they enter the circulation, enzymes in the small intestine knock them down. Any sugar that is not used immediately is stored as fat, which is why consuming meals with a lot of added sugar might contribute to weight increase.

The first surge in energy is accountable for the so-called “sugar rush” that many people believe occurs after consuming certain simple carbs, such as a chocolate bar or a sugary drink. Some simple carbs can be found in nutritious meals like milk and entire fruits, which include a range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

There may be certain circumstances in which these less healthy, simple carbs are advantageous. Many sports drinks, for instance, contain a lot of sugar. These drinks are marketed by producers as beverages that improve performance and refreshment.

Main Differences Between Good Carbohydrates and Bad Carbohydrates

1. Good Carbs provide additional energy, health advantages, and important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Meanwhile carbohydrates that have had many of their important nutrients removed are known as bad carbs, and they can contribute to binge eating, excess weight, and illnesses such as diabetes.
2. Good carbohydrates are also referred to as complex carbs, whilst poor carbs are referred to as simple carbs.
3. Good carbohydrates enter slowly into our systems, meanwhile bad carbs absorb fast.
4. Good carbohydrates are high in fiber, whereas harmful carbs are low in fiber.
5. Good carbohydrates keep blood sugar levels stable, but poor carbs quickly raise blood sugar levels.
6. Good carbohydrates have a low risk of chronic disease, whereas bad carbohydrates have a high risk of developing chronic diseases.
7. Good carbohydrates include more vital vitamins and minerals, but poor carbohydrates do not contain essential vitamins and minerals.
8. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and other high-carbohydrate foods are sources of good carbohydrates. White flour, white bread, white rice, French fries, spaghetti, cakes, biscuits are examples of poor carbohydrates.

Conclusion

Carbohydrates can be beneficial or detrimental to one’s metabolism and health levels. Complex carbohydrates that are high in nutrients are considered good carbs. They are higher in energy and higher in important vitamins, nutrients, and fiber.

 Bad carbs, on the other hand, are simple carbohydrates that are low in nutrition and calories. They are deficient in vitamins, fiber, and nutrients. Good carbohydrates may be found in fruits and vegetables, grains, and legumes.

While harmful carbs can be found in white rice, cakes, white bread, spaghetti, biscuits, french fries, burgers, and so on. Bad carbohydrates are processed foods, whereas good carbs are more natural.

As a result, choosing these complex carbohydrates most of the time is a smart choice. Simple, processed carbohydrates, on the other hand, aren’t all terrible. A snickers bar or a piece of cake will not harm your health or spoil your day if you consume a well-balanced and diverse diet.

References

1. https://www.obesityaustralia.org/s/Info-Sheet-25-Good-carbs-bad-carbs.pdf
2. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=-khOeqZzbV4C&oi=fnd&pg=PT8&dq=good+carbs+and+bad+carbs&ots=3zLPMKZwhq&sig=xkZ5peXbr0kvkvVZcoCc2OJGd84