Real foods which have been processed to detach nutritional components like bran, germ and fiber are the products we label refined carbohydrates.
Let's look at two examples of what is meant by processing or refining.
White flour is comprised of wheat grains which were processed. The processing or milling grinds the whole gains into their constituent components bran (outer covering), germ (the embryo in a grain), and white flour. White flour seems to be more "pure", not contaminated by the darker bran and germ. Besides, the germ containes oils that become rancid quickly when kept at room temperatures.
The white flour, obviously, contains less nutritional value than the entire grain. It has less fiber, protein, iron, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, folacin, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper. White flour, however, supplies more calories and is higher on the glycemic index so it increases your blood sugar levels quickly and then you crash with the sugar blues.
Beets are another food that can be refined. Whole beets are a good source of nutrients including vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, and choline, folic acid, iodine, manganese, sodium, potassium, fiber, and digestible sugars. But, it's certainly the sugars that are of interest here.
Harvested beets are finely sliced and added to hot water that promotes extraction of the beet sugars. The beets are then removed from the water and pressed to get the last of the sugar juices. The fiber rich beet pulp is then dried and will become a constituent of animal feed. The sugar water and juice are boiled and further processed, leaving behind the sugar crystals which are fed to humans.
Carbohydrates which are full of fiber haven't been refined and retain their vitamin and mineral content. Vitamins and minerals are absorbed slowly and this helps avoid fast increases in blood sugar. Carbohydrates with abundant fiber include whole plants like fruits, vegetables and beans.
Refined carbohydrates that are available in boxes, bottles and cans have had much of their fiber, vitamins and minerals removed.
Now then, why are processed carbohydrates so beneficial?
The food processing industry is big business. And, nearly all manufactured foods include sugar in one form or another.
You are almost certainly familiar with examining package ingredients labels. You will come across refined carbohydrates like raw sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, malt sugar, corn sweetener, and a host of other sugars. You'll hardly buy packaged foods lacking these ingredients. Almost everything in these packages, bottles and cans experienced processing that detached nutritional components or had highly refined sugars added.
The refined carbohydrates possess a grand and profitable history from the farm, on to the processing plants, then to the baking and food manufacturing and packaging plant, and finally to the transportation and distribution system on through the final retail marketing outlets.
Just picture what a major supermarket would look like devoid of all of the refined carbohydrates in packaged foods and beverages. Why, it would practically look like a fruit and vegetable market.
Moreover, refined carbohydrates are a major factor causing growth of fat tissue. The accumulation of fat tissue helps promote such problems as type 2 diabetes, heart problems, hypertesion, osteoarthritis and cancer. Refined carbohydrates are a significant factor in the development and profitability of our medical industry.
The massive and rising profits within the food manufacturing and medical industries make them major players in today's economy. And, this growth in our economy is why refined carbohydrates are so good.
Author Resource:
You should learn more about healthy foods and weight loss to stay healthy, even though it will not support the food processing and medical industries. You will feel better and live longer--which will be good for you.
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