Myth Or Fact: 10 Common Sayings About Carbs That Are Completely Crap

If you are on a weight loss plan or looking for one then chances are that you have come across some of these sayings already. And best believe it or not, carbs aren't always as dreadful as some people want you to believe.

For example, studies have shown that, contrary to common belief, dietary fiber (a type of carbohydrate) found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, and veggies is necessary to maintain a normal weight and healthy heart and to aid the function of your digestive system.

Here are 10 such other common carb sayings you shouldn't believe:

Myth 1: Carbs contain too much sugar

Worrying about your sugar intake is understandable. But, it's also just as important to know that natural sugars, like those in fruits, are much better for consumption than refined sugars that sweeten many cereal, cookies, cakes, and other snacks.

Even whole grains like whole-wheat bread still break down into sugar in the body. However, they won't cause a spike and crash in your blood sugar like refined grains will.

Myth 2: Eating carbs will make you feel sluggish

Some people detest eating carbs because it makes them feel tired and slow afterward. But, an animal study reported that the portion sizes of the meal played an important role alongside the protein and salt content in making the subjects slip into a "food coma."

Myth 3: Only bread, pasta and potatoes are considered carbs

Carbs is the short form for carbohydrates which are macronutrients that your body breaks down into glucose, a type of sugar. However, you just understand that there are two types of carbohydrates: Simple and complex.

Simple carbs are most commonly found in fruits and vegetables, as well as in refined grains, cakes, and other baked goods. On the other hand, complex carbs are found in whole-grain bread and pasta as well as legumes, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables.

Myth 4: All carbs are unhealthy

It is nearly impossible to avoid consuming carbs and you shouldn't have to. The carbs you want to eat more are unrefined, whole grains, because they give you important nutrients, like fiber, to digest and sustain energy. When the grains are processed, they lose a greater portion of their fiber content.

Therefore, eating nourishing, filling whole grains won't wreck your diet.

Myth 5: You shouldn't eat carbs before exercise

Contrary to common belief, carbs won't affect your performance during exercise. You just have to pay attention to timing and the type of grain you choose to consume. According to experts, carbs are an essential for athletes as they provide energy and improve performance, but obviously they must be controlled and consumed at a timed distance from training.

Myth 6: Carbs cause you to gain weight

Nutritionists say that carbs can actually help people lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. The secret is the high fiber content in carbs which keep you full and energized. While overeating white bread and pizza dough aren't going to help you lose weight, eating high-fiber, whole foods can help you stay satiated for a longer time.

Myth 7: Protein is more important than carbs

Yes, protein is essential, especially if you lead an active lifestyle and are constantly training your muscles, but proteins shouldn't replace carbs. A study from Cell Reports even reports that a diet higher in carbs and lower in protein can jump-start the body's metabolism even more.

Myth 8: Eating just meat is better than carbs

Cutting carbs won't matter if you're already eating red meat. Therefore, it's wrong to say that all carbs fatten in the same way that it is wrong to think that we can always eat red meat. Balance is always key to a healthy diet.

Myth 9: Carbs should be eaten in the morning to burn them off

Experts say that it doesn't matter what time of day you eat carbs but the time needed for your body to process them is what's important. That way, you actually use up your body's store of carbs.

Myth 10: Carbs are difficult to digest

Contrary to this popular saying, not all carbs are difficult to digest. Foods high in insoluble fiber (e.g., kale, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables) are more difficult to dissolve in the digestive tract and can cause indigestion. But, soluble fibers found in whole grains, bananas, and certain veggies, like peppers and cucumbers, are good for your digestive system.