How to Have Healthy Life

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Information Sheet 2.3a Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the major part of most human diets. There are 2 types of carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates Include starches and some forms of fiber. About 50% of your diet should come from complex carbohydrates. Examples of foods containing complex carbohydrates include pasta, wheat, corn, vegetables, fruit, beans and grains. Simple carbohydrates Include sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose. Limit how many simple carbohydrates you eat because they don’t add many vitamins or minerals to your diet and they have lots of calories that contribute to weight gain. Examples of foods containing simple carbohydrates include candy, soft drinks, cake and cookies. What do carbohydrates do for your body? Carbohydrates provide the body’s most important source of energy. Carbohydrates are high-quality fuels because it takes little effort to release their energy. Foods with complex carbohydrates also provide the body with fiber. A diet low in fiber may contribute to colon cancer. What if you have too little or too many carbohydrates? A diet low in carbohydrates can result in the body having too little energy. Low energy levels can make you tired and less alert mentally. Eating too many simple carbohydrates can result in obesity. Carbohydrates are turned to energy, as the body needs it. Excess carbohydrates are stored as fat. Nutrition and Physical Activity for Lifelong Health ETR Associates © ETR HealthSmart High School Lesson Two 26 Information Sheet 2.3b Proteins What do proteins do for your body? Proteins are made up of amino acids that the body uses to make skin, muscle and bone. The body requires 20 amino acids for good health. Of these, 11 can be produced within the body itself. The remaining 9 are called essential amino acids, because it’s essential to include them in your diet. The body can’t store amino acids, so

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