In the world of diet culture, we have all been led to believe that carbohydrates are the

enemy. However, thanks to science, nutrition experts are able to reject this ideology

completely. Carbohydrates are one of the three macromolecules alongside proteins and fats.

Each have important functions in the body and are recommended to be consumed in sufficient

amounts (ranging depending on one’s body type) to reap their full benefits. Carbohydrates, for

one, are our muscles’ main energy source. They are stored as glycogen in the liver and broken

down into glucose for energy when needed.

When many people think of their body using energy, they think of working out, running,

and exerting high amounts of energy. However, our bodies need energy for simple tasks such as

getting up out of bed, walking to class, and staying awake throughout the day without a power

nap. Carbohydrates should be your best friend of you tend to feel lethargic throughout the day.

Being low on carbs not only makes you more susceptible to a mid-day slump, there is also a

higher likelihood of that “hangry” feeling, or the feeling that you are so hungry, you become

angry. In the state of hanger, the blood sugar drops to very low levels which impacts mood and

decision making.

There are many sources of carbohydrates. Simple carbs are those that break down

quickly for energy. These are our candies, fruits, sugar, and sodas. The faster break-down

process of simple carbs are what make us feel a “sugar rush”. Complex carbs are broken down

slower, making you feel full for longer. These include legumes, beans, who grain bread and

pasta, and oats. These carbohydrates are higher in fiber, which keeps the digestive system

running smoothly.

A very popular diet revolving around “low carb” is the Ketogenic Diet, or “Keto”. In this

diet, carbohydrates are to be consumed in very low amounts (typically less than 50 grams a

day) and fats and proteins are consumed at a much higher dose. The methodology behind this

diet states that once all of a human’s glycogen store is used, the body will resort to fat for

energy. In this case, fat will be burned and lost. Major downfalls of this diet include the side

effect of low energy, the unsustainability of a restrictive diet, and, most importantly, the

illogical concept that you cannot eat fruit in this diet. As we know, fruits have such a multitude

of nutritional benefits, and any diet that encourages the restriction of them should not be given

a second glance.