Carbohydrates are energy providing nutrients. Most people associate all carbs with being unhealthy but this is not true. There are two types of carbs; high and low. High carb diets involve foods which are high in fiber, sugar and starch and the low-carb diets involve foods which are high in protein. Here are some health benefits and various low carb foods you can include in your diet to get the right nutrients.
Health Benefits of low carbohydrates diet:
• May help you lose weight.
• Helps in keeping your cholesterol under control.
• Helps reduce blood sugar and insulin levels.
• Helps control blood pressure levels.
• Helps against metabolic syndrome.
• Lowers the risk of heart diseases.
Low Carb Foods Include:
Eggs:
Eggs are among the healthiest and most nutritious foods on the planet. They are high in protein and rich in vitamins like Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D.
Eat right after a workout to repair the broken muscle tissues.
Meats/Seafood:
Lamb, chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, trout, tuna and lobsters. These are high in B12 and low in carbs, almost zero carbs.
Vegetables:
Broccoli, tomatoes, onions, brussels sprouts, eggplant, cucumber, bell peppers, asparagus, green beans, mushrooms, celery, spinach, zucchini, cabbage- all these vegetables are low in carbs and are a good source of vitamins, proteins, and fiber.
Fruits and Berries:
Avocados, olives, strawberries, grapefruits, apricots, kiwifruits, oranges- all these delicious fruits are high in iron and instead of being high in carbs, are loaded with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C and folate which help in digestion and in maintaining blood pressure. Munch on fruits and berries between meals and keep yourself healthy and prevent hunger pangs.
Dairy Products:
If you tolerate dairy, then dairy products are excellent low-carbohydrate foods such as Greek Yogurt and cheese. For breakfast or right before your workout, make a smoothie with Greek yoghurt which is high in in calcium, vitamin B12 and potassium.
Find all the foods that provide you with nutrients here.
