Watch Those Carbs!

We have heard a lot about carbohydrates in the news and on television lately, and not much of it has been good. We all know that potato chips, candy, pastries, and other foods with a high calorie content can add extra pounds on the body when not eaten in moderation. But some people have taken the carbohydrate problem one step further: they don't eat carbohydrates at all. Is cutting out carbohydrates good, or is it dangerous?
Actually, the body needs carbohydrates to function well. Eating carbohydrates gives the body energy to do the things it needs to feel good. However, dietitians know that all carbohydrates are not created equal. The fact is, some carbohydrates are good for you and others are best avoided.
What kinds of carbs are good for you? The best carb for your body is the kind that digests slowly. A carbohydrate that takes longer to break down in the body puts less sugar into your bloodstream. Limiting sugar in the blood is important because too much sugar can cause obesity and other diseases, such as diabetes. Refined and processed carbohydrates, such as pastries or bread made with white flour, add sugar to your blood and have little nutritional value. Good carbohydrates contain a lot of nutrients, create fuel for our bodies, and don't add a lot of sugar into the blood.
First, let's consider the age-old carbohydrate that everyone loves: oatmeal. When a food such as oatmeal is not refined and is eaten whole, it takes longer to digest, so less sugar gets into the bloodstream. Other good whole-grain foods include brown rice, all-bran cereal, and breads made from coarse, stone-ground, or cracked flour. Black peas, chickpeas, soybeans, and most beans are other examples of "good" carbs. Fruits such as peaches, plums, and cherries are excellent high-fiber foods. However, don't assume that all vegetables are high-fiber. White mashed potatoes and corn are two carbohydrates that have a lot of starch and add a lot of sugar to the blood. On the other hand, vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and peppers are non-starchy and can be great to eat.
Of course, exercise helps the body work off calories and sugar that you might get from eating too many carbohydrates. Exercise burns calories and lowers the sugar level in your blood.

Which statement best supports the argument that eating whole grains is good for you?

A
On the other hand, vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and peppers are non-starchy and can be great to eat.

B
Limiting sugar in the blood is important because too much sugar can cause obesity and other diseases, such as diabetes.

C
A carbohydrate that takes longer to break down in the body puts less sugar into your bloodstream.

D
Of course, exercise helps the body work off calories and sugar that you might get from eating too many carbohydrates.