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Carbohydrates

Background Information

Carbohydrates and Nutrition

There have been major advances in the understanding of how carbohydrates influence human nutrition and health in recent years. Progress in scientific research has highlighted the diverse functions of carbohydrates in the body and their importance in the promotion of good health. In fact, there is so much good news that it is time to take a closer look at carbohydrates.

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Science Briefs

Very low carb diets could be incompatible with exercise

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Low GI breakfasts impact on appetite in children

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Low carb, high protein diets may be unhealthy in the long term

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FAQ

Glucose-Fructose Syrup FAQs

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What are the major sources of carbohydrates and main energy food?

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Why are carbohydrates so important for sports?

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Food Today

New nutrition guidelines for Europe, halfway there…

On request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority has provided guidance on intakes of fats, carbohydrates, fibre and water considering the new evidence. These dietary reference values establish optimum intakes of nutrients in a balanced diet which when part of an overall healthy lifestyle, contribute to good health.

Sugars in our diet

In view of the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in Europe, the role of certain carbohydrates, like sugar, is often controversially discussed. Here are some facts about the role of carbohydrates, sugars and sugar in our diet.

What's all this about the Glycaemic Index?

The glycaemic index (GI) has recently caught the public's attention and GI ratings have begun to appear on food packaging. So what is it all about and how can it be of everyday use?

The Atkins Diet ends its reign

It seemed too good to be true, bacon and eggs every day if you want and still lose weight. Millions of Europeans tried The Atkins Diet and stories of dramatic weight loss were reported, but concerns regarding nutritional balance and poor long- term compliance may mean the Atkins reign is over.

The Highs and Lows of carbohydrates

How do foods affect blood sugar levels? The old myth that a sugary snack will cause a dramatic rise, and then a fall, in blood sugar levels has been overturned as researchers find out more about the physiological effects of foods on blood sugar levels. New ways to measure just how our blood sugar will react to various foods has provided insights into the prevention and control of conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease and has also revolutionised diet in sport and the foods eaten in the hours before physical exertion in sport.

Foods for the physically active

Whether we are active or sedentary our bodies require the same nutrients to keep us in good health. When taking moderate but regular exercise there is no need to make radical changes to the diet but rather, learn to appreciate that the balance of nutrients you require may differ slightly from those who take no physical activity at all.
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Energy Balance

With only some basic data, the energy balance calculator defines your Body Mass Index (BMI), your daily energy requirements and if you are at risk for certain diseases.

ABOUT EUFIC
The European Food Information Council (EUFIC) is a non-profit organisation which communicates science-based information on nutrition and health, food safety and quality, to help consumers to be better informed when choosing a well-balanced, safe and healthful diet.

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This site was last updated 18/05/2012
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