Carbohydrate for Your Kids
Carbohydrates or carbs in short, are a source of energy which can be easily absorbed by our body. Although they have been blamed for obesity in America lately, carbs are important for a healthy diet.
Carbs are divided into two major forms, simple sugars and starches. Simple sugars are glucose, fructose, and lactose. They can be found in fruits and milk. Starches or complex carbs can be found in foods, for example rice, breads, grains, and cereals. These carbs are broken down inside the body by digestive enzymes and then converted into energy to be used in our activities.
We should be aware that not all carbs are good for our body. Some examples of good carbohydrates are brown rice, whole grain cereals and breads, fruits, and vegetables. Bad carbohydrates are refined sugars, which are usually found in beverages like soda. Eating too much of bad carbohydrates will result in obesity and high level of blood sugar.
A healthy diet for children should have 50-60% source of the calories came from carbohydrates. More than half of children’s grain intake should be in the form of whole grain, such as whole grain cereals and whole grain breads. Why whole grain? Because in whole grains reside complex carbohydrates, which are broken down more slowly, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals.
Children should also take good simple sugars which are found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These kind of foods also contains a lot of vitamins which are important for children. Always remember to include them in your kid’s diet.
