Food
The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2005) indicate there is no set RDA for carbs, although they are an important part of a healthy diet - both for energy content and nutritional value. Most dietitians and nutritionists advise a daily carb intake of between 45-65 percent of total calories. Dietary fiber - the nondigestible type of carbohydrate has been shown to have a number of beneficial health effects, including decreased risk of coronary heart disease and improvement in laxation. There is also interest in the relationship between diets containing fiber-rich foods and lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The RDA for fiber is 14 grams per 1,000 calories consumed. Both sugary and starchy carbohydrate supply energy to the body in the form of glucose, which is the only fuel source for red blood cells and is the preferred energy source for the brain, central nervous system, placenta, and fetus.
Last edited by gamel; 01-27-2009 at 11:54 PM.
Reason: Signature
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