I Got The Power!
Did you know that your brain cells need two times more energy than the other cells in your body. Most of us have discovered that thinking can be tiring, even exhausting. As the primary source of energy in the human brain, glucose can be rapidly used up during mental activity. Some interesting research has shown that mental concentration actually drains glucose from a key part of the brain associated with memory and learning – underscoring just how crucial this blood sugar is for proper brain function.
Complex carbohydrates are those carbohydrates that are made of three or more sugar molecules linked together. These carbohydrates are found vegetables, nuts, fruits, seeds and grains. They differ from simple carbohydrates, like sugar, that are made of only one or two linked sugar molecules. Complex carbohydrates take longer for your body to break down than simple ones, which helps to maintain a steady blood sugar level.
Which Foods Are Complex Carbohydrates?
Complex carbohydrates should make up a large portion of your diet. You should aim for roughly half of your daily caloric intake to be derived from complex carbohydrates, with over half of these coming from whole grains. Starchy carbohydrates include foods such as:
- Bread
- Cereal
- Rice
- Pasta
- Corn
- Carrots
- Dry beans
- Potatoes
Additionally, green vegetables contain less starch and more fiber, making them a great choice to fulfill your complex carbohydrate needs. This includes vegetables such as:
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Spinach
Include these healthy choices in your diet, and increase you energy levels and health.
See more at the Franklin Institute!
