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Writer's pictureJessica Cooley

Carbs and Their Effect on the Skin: How to Avoid Wrinkles, Acne, and Other Skin Issues.


Are you afraid of carbs? There’s a reason for that. More than once, we have heard that too many carbs can make us fat and cause all sorts of problems with our health. However, it is not the carbs themselves that are bad for your health, but rather their excess intake. Considering the role of carbohydrates in our body, it is only logical to assume that eating too few or too many can drastically affect your appearance – especially your skin and its natural glow. Yes, this doesn’t mean you cannot ever eat those delicious French fries again! It just means you need to know how much and when they are good for you.

What are Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients, along with proteins and fats. They provide energy for the body and are found in many foods such as bread, rice, pasta, grains, fruit and vegetables. They are essential for our body and are broken down into smaller units called sugars, which are easily absorbed and used as energy. Although the body can make some carbohydrates from proteins, most of them are obtained from foods. Carbohydrates also have an important role in the health of your skin. The glycemic index refers to how quickly different foods are converted into sugar once they are consumed and digested. When the sugar levels in your body are too high, it results in an excess production of sebum that clogs pores, causing acne breakouts. Carbohydrates that are high in fiber provide the right amount of sugar, which slows down the entire digestion process and maintains the natural glow of your skin.


How do carbs affect our skin?

The Glycemic index is a scale that measures how quickly carbohydrates are broken down and converted into glucose, which is our body’s main source of energy. Glycemic foods are those that cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly and significantly. Carbohydrates that are low on the GI scale break down slowly, providing energy for a long time. High-GI foods produce a sudden spike in blood sugar levels and are converted into energy very quickly. Glycemic foods often contain a lot of fat and proteins, which are not beneficial for your skin. When the blood sugar levels increase significantly, your body produces more sebum, which can clog pores, causing acne breakouts. Eating low-GI foods such as whole grains, legumes and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables will ensure that your body keeps its blood sugar levels under control and maintain the natural glow of your skin.

Good Carbs For Your Skin: Which Ones Should You Eat?

Whole grains - Carbohydrates found in grains such as wheat, barley, oats and quinoa have a low GI and are rich in fiber. They are great for your skin because they slow down digestion and provide the necessary sugar for energy. Vegetables - Low-fat, fiber-rich vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage and tomatoes are high in vitamins A and C, which are essential for your skin. Fruits - Fruits are one of the best sources of vitamins. They are also low in GI and are great for your overall health. Nuts and legumes - Nuts and legumes are low in GI and rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins. They are great sources of fiber and have a high nutritional value.


Conclusion

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients found in food. They provide energy for the body and are broken down into smaller units called sugars that are easily absorbed and used as energy. Carbohydrates also have an important role in the health of your skin. The glycemic index refers to how quickly different foods are converted into sugar after they are consumed. Eating low-GI foods such as whole grains, legumes and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables will ensure that your body’s blood sugar levels are under control and maintain the natural glow of your skin.


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