Carbs, short for carbohydrates,

Carbs, short for carbohydrates,

Carbs, short for carbohydrates, are the macro-nutrients found in foods. They are the sugar fibers and starches found in foods such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. They are one of the main ways our bodies obtain energy.

Carbohydrates have different functions in the body. They provide fuel for the nervous system and energy for the muscles. Carbohydrates also prevent the body from using a lot of protein to enable metabolic processes. They are also important in brain function as they influence mood and memory.

Low carbohydrate diets have a reduced amount of carbohydrates-related foods such as dairy products. They are useful in the reduction of weight. A high carbohydrate diet can lead to gaining weight because foods once digested are turned into glucose. It is the most convenient source of energy. When in excess, energy remains stored in the muscle cells for energy. Reducing the intake of carbohydrates forces the body to look for fat as an energy source, which in turn leads to weight loss. It is a short term weight loss method. In other cases, low carbohydrate diets have shown to regulate spikes in blood sugar, which lowers blood pressure. It also promotes low cholesterol, which in turn reduces the risk of heart attacks and failures. Low carbohydrate diets reduce hunger since carbs are quickly turned to energy. This reduces constant eating. Intake reduction leads to lesser hunger bouts.

These diets induce a state in the body called ketosis. Ketosis is a state where the body relies on fats for fuel because there are little or no carbohydrates. It means more fat intake, which is harmful to our health. Some lesser effects are dizziness, bad breath, headaches, and heartburn. Adoption of these diets can increase the risk of high cholesterol, kidney failure, and abnormal heartbeat. For middle-aged people, excess protein can increase the chances of getting cancer and diabetes.