Video: Fermented Tomato Ketchup
Ready to try something new? Watch Emma's recipe video for a delicious Fermented Tomato Ketchup!
Get the recipeCarbohydrates are classed as a macronutrient – that is, a major food type that is essential for survival. They help provide energy the brain and body need, and they also help to regulate blood sugar.
But, as essential as they are, carbs have received a pretty bad rep over the years, especially when it comes to weight gain. So what’s the truth and how can you keep this essential food in your daily diet without worrying about the scales?
Carbohydrates have been blamed for causing of weight problems, which has given rise to many people adopting low-carb diets to lose weight. In fact, much of this blame is misplaced. While carbohydrates are essential for the body, the problem is that we often consume far more of them than we need, meaning that the energy is not being burned off, but stored in the body.
What many people do not realise is that there are two types of carbohydrates, and consuming too much of the wrong type is also an influential factor in weight gain. In fact, consuming the right type of carbohydrates can have the opposite effect, and can help with controlling weight.
The two main categories are:
As complex carbohydrates are digested slowly, they help you to feel fuller for longer. This reduces the urge to snack between mealtimes, which is a leading cause of weight gain. Additionally, as the energy is released slowly, this helps to keep your blood sugar level stable. Dips and surges in blood sugar cause cravings for sugary foods, so if these are avoided by eating complex carbs, the chances of you sneaking away a few sweet treats diminishes.
These carbs can not only help you to manage your appetite, but they have also been found to help you burn fat. They are thought to speed up metabolism, encouraging the release of acids to burn fat, and can also preserve muscle mass. It may just be that the right amount of complex carbs helps you to achieve that toned body you are striving for!
Certain foods are naturally rich in complex carbs, and as many of these are also plant-based foods, they also contain many essential vitamins and minerals.
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Ready to try something new? Watch Emma's recipe video for a delicious Fermented Tomato Ketchup!
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