Completely eliminating it from your diet can harm the functioning of your body.
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining health and one of the most important macronutrients in our diet are carbohydrates. However, many people have adopted the practice of cutting out eating completely in pursuit of quick weight loss.
But is this attitude beneficial to health? Next, we’ll discuss the risks of eliminating carbohydrates from your diet and understand why it’s important to keep this essential nutrient in your daily diet.
1. Lack of power
Foods containing carbohydrates provide energy to the body. When they cut them, the body may have difficulty maintaining adequate levels for daily activities.
“These foods are considered a kind of fuel for the body. When they are burned in our body through a metabolic process, they transform into water and carbon dioxide and, consequently, release energy”, explains nutritionist Natália Colombo.
2. Fiber deficiency
Many carbohydrates, such as whole grains, are rich in fiber. Limiting these foods can lead to digestive problems and constipation, as fiber is essential for gut health.
“The fibers present in foods help maintain the balance of the body. They absorb excess and help eliminate toxins. They prevent constipation and intestine-related diseases, help lose weight and prevent cardiovascular diseases,” he explains the nutritionist Fernanda Sobral.
3. Loss of muscle mass
Carbohydrates play a role in preserving muscle mass. Its restriction can lead to a decrease in lean mass, which is undesirable for many people, especially for those who practice physical activity.
“He [o carboidrato] it is responsible for providing the body with muscle glycogen, an essential fuel for energy during exercise, promoting the maintenance or construction of lean mass and the burning of body fat”, explains Maristela Bassi Strufaldi, nutritionist and Master’s Degree in Clinical Endocrinology .
4. Mental and emotional effects
Many diets eliminate carbohydrates from the diet. However, this is a dangerous attitude, because when it is removed from the dietthe person may feel weak and discouraged, without energy to carry out daily activities.
“In addition, carbohydrates are essential for the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of well-being. Without carbohydrates, the person can have anxiety attacks, binge eating, depressive symptoms”, warns Natália Colombo.
5. Nutritional imbalance
Eliminating food groups, such as carbohydrates, can result in an imbalance of essential nutrients, which can affect your long-term health. “People need to learn it and understand it no food makes you fatas long as it is consumed in moderation, in the right quantity and in the right way”, underlines Natália Colombo.
6. Poor cognitive performance
The brain depends on glucose to function properly. Restricting carbohydrates can affect cognition, reasoning and concentration, resulting in reduced cognitive performance.
Furthermore, as nutritionist Fernanda Alves Dias explains, sugars and carbohydrates keep the body active, as they play the role of providing energy to our cells. The brain, for example, receives only glucose (sugar) as food. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a good replacement of this nutrient, which would represent on average 55% to 60% of our daily food base.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
