After a long day at work, we’re all familiar with the craving for junk food. You see those cupcakes and pizza slices on Instagram, and you just want to have one when you go home. Let’s not forget that extra serving of Kottu you had last night. Isn’t that Sri Lankan guilt making you go nuts?
University of Colombo did a research and found out that Sri Lankans have 71% carbohydrates daily. That’s way more than the recommended carb intake of 45% – 65%. But what’s the fuss about carbs? Aren’t fats & oils the culprit behind weight gain? (we think after nice big biriyani lunch).
So, what is the relationship between carbohydrates and gaining weight?
Okay we have to get bit science-y here and we will simplify this as much as we can.
Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients, together with protein and fat, that make up our body’s primary source of energy.
During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is then transported to the liver and into the bloodstream. When blood glucose levels rise, the pancreas produces insulin, which tells the cells to absorb glucose. The glucose that the cells don’t use right away for energy is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. When you eat too many carbs, your body’s glycogen storage space may get full. In the liver, the extra glycogen gets converted into fats and gets stored in your body to use later on. This is when you gain weight because you eat too many calories than the body can burn, and the fat layers start building around you.
What are good and bad carbs?
This is based on the glycemic index (GI). Remember the glucose that go into the blood? Well after eating carbs, how fast and how much the glucose levels go up are measured by the GI. Foods with a high GI increase the blood glucose faster than low GI foods.
That’s why eating low GI Complex Carbs (sweet potatoes, lentils, beans, etc.) help you feel full for longer than high GI simple carbs (white bread, fruits, juice, sweets, etc.) since simple carbs are quickly digested and converted into energy more quickly.
When your blood glucose levels go up, our body will produce insulin to bring it down to a fair level. When you eat high GI foods, your blood glucose levels go up quickly and the body will produce more and more insulin. In the long term, this can reduce the efficiency of insulin and your blood glucose will not be naturally managed. Badly managed blood glucose levels in the long term are a factor to Type 2 Diabetes. Eating low GI foods can help as it only slowly increases your blood glucose because of slow digestion. Then your insulin response will also be normal, and you will also feel full for longer making you have fewer extra cravings too!
But I still love my carbs and isn’t there anything I could do to keep the GI levels down?
YES! CEYLON CINNAMON CAN HELP!
Scientists have found great benefits from Ceylon Cinnamon to help keep your blood glucose levels down!
How does Ceylon Cinnamon help with eating Carbs?
No, we are not making claims because the local shaman told us so. Scientists at Aberdeen University’s Rowett Institute in Scotland did an interesting experiment with eating bread and taking Ceylon Cinnamon along with it. Their study results showed that active compounds in Ceylon Cinnamon can control carbohydrate digestion and not let blood glucose levels spike up after eating bread because it slows down digestion. In short, it allows the body to digest high GI carbs similar to low GI carbs.
The nutritionist who led the study, said:
“It is all about prevention. How can we stop people getting ill? Having a diet high in these natural products which are rich in nutrients can hopefully help. If you are eating a lot of high-glycemic foods and then you are having some natural products, that can help to reduce the glycemic impact.”
Dr. Viren Ranawana
Similar studies were done in France and in Germany and found out similar results after taking Ceylon Cinnamon with high GI foods.
Interested in learning more? Check out our article Carbohydrates – In Depth.
Now for the first time in Sri Lanka, you can get the same benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon with SaaraLife Trim’N’Fit!
Trim’N’Fit contains a natural Ceylon Cinnamon extract that aids to effectively regulate carb digestion helping you to maintain a healthy weight!
Try Trim’N’Fit today and ease that guilt! Available at all major pharmacies. You can also order through our website and get it delivered. For more information, please click this banner:
Good. Will practice