Should We Avoid ‘Beige’ Carbs?
Carbohydrates have been historically vilified for their impact on blood sugar levels, weight gain, and associations with diseases such as cancer. This has led to the popularity of low-carb diets like the ketogenic and Atkins diets. While these diets can have therapeutic effects and aid in weight loss, experts now suggest that the focus should not just be on carbs in general, but on the types of carbs consumed.
According to Dr. Xand van Tulleken and Dr. Faisal Maassarani, the key is to avoid ‘beige’ carbs – essentially, carbs that are white, tan, and brown in color. They emphasize that not all carbs are created equal and advocate for a shift towards consuming healthier, green carbs instead.
The Doctors Behind This Theory
Dr. Xand van Tulleken hosts a BBC series called “The Truth About…”. In a recent episode titled “The Truth About Carbs”, he showcased the work of Dr. Faisal Maassarani, a general practitioner from Kirby, England. Dr. Maassarani conducted a small study with individuals struggling with obesity and related health issues, showing promising results after reducing their carbohydrate intake.
What Could This Mean for Your Diet?
When it comes to carbs, distinguishing between simple and complex carbohydrates, as well as sugar, starch, and fiber, is crucial. While glucose is produced from carbs and excess is stored as fat, consuming dietary fiber and resistant starches can have positive effects on health.
Dr. Xand van Tulleken and Dr. Faisal Maassarani recommend avoiding beige and white carbs in favor of green carbs, which include a variety of vegetables and fruits. These green carbs provide essential nutrients while limiting sugars and starches.
While this approach may not be suitable for everyone and has faced criticism for oversimplification, focusing on whole foods and moderation is key. Enjoying a balance of green and beige carbs, along with other foods, can contribute to a healthy diet.
Criticism and Conclusion
As with any diet, there are differing opinions on the efficacy of avoiding beige carbs. While some experts caution against oversimplifying nutritional advice, others believe in the benefits of this approach. Ultimately, finding what works best for individual health and preferences is paramount.
Sources
- “Weight loss.” Mayo Clinic
- “Long-term effects of a ketogenic diet in obese patients.” NCBI. Hussein M Dashti, MD PhD FICS FACS, et al. 2004.
- “Why beige carbs are the ones to avoid – Dr Xand van Tulleken.” BBC. June 6, 2018.
- “The Truth About Carbs: Nutritionists denounce doctor’s claim that ‘beige carbs are bad for us’.” I News. Josh Barrie. July 3, 2018.
