Why You Need Carbs: Fuel for the Brain
Whether or not you’ve been on a diet, you’ve probably heard people say that you should avoid carbs. That carbs are bad for you.
But actually, you need carbs. As human beings, we need food to sustain and keep us alive. And sometimes, as students, feeding our bodies with good nutrition becomes secondary to our studies. Which is understandable. But what if the food we put in our bodies can actually affect our productivity levels and ability to retain information?
Photo by Charly W. Karl (CC BY-ND 2.0)
The Brain
The brain may not weigh much and take up too much space in our bodies. But it’s only because of our brains that we can function cognitively. And because of that, it takes a lot of energy to keep our brain working. In fact, the brain consumes about 20% of our daily energy! So what fuels our brains?
“Carbohydrates are the only nutrients which can match this rate of energy requirement. However, the brain prefers to get its carbohydrates from carbohydrate rich whole foods rather than simple sugars,” said Dr. Ashish Shrivastav, senior consultant neurosurgeon at Apollo Hospitals.
Fundamentally, glucose is the brain’s primary source of energy, which we consume in the form of carbohydrates.
Clinical nutritionist Tanu Arora explains it like this:
“Carbohydrates are one of the most important nutrients needed for healthy brains functioning. They are the main source of energy for the brain. When carbs are eaten, they are eventually digested and broken down into smaller sugars molecules called glucose.”
Photo by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash
So our brains are just like one big sweet tooth. But refined sugars from highly-processed foods like cupcakes and donuts won’t cut it. In fact, simple sugars and simple carbohydrates can actually be detrimental.
The brain needs whole foods and complex carbs like fruits and vegetables to function. The key to fueling your brain is to feed ourselves with the right amount and right quality of carbohydrates.There’s a reason why there is a heavy emphasis on eating whole foods like fruits and vegetables. It’s not just because they’re good for your health and digestion, it’s also good for your brain.
So think twice the next time you want to push aside your leafy greens from your plate.
As a student...
It can be so easy to rely on caffeine and energy drinks when you’re studying for final exams or writing a paper. Don’t worry, you won’t starve your brain. Our bodies are equipped to provide our brains with the glucose it needs from the liver if you’re not getting enough of it from food. Your body will adapt. But for the sake of your health and well being, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be intentional about eating whole foods.
Photo by William Felker on Unsplash
Especially as a student, it’s so important to fuel your brain. You want to pass and thrive in your classes. So why not take care of your brain? It can help you think clearer and retain more information—everything you would need to study well. So next time you’re staying up late for a test or a project, try eating some of these foods:
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
Vegetables (brocoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage)
Whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain bread and pasta)
Nuts & seeds (sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts)
Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)
Potatoes
