Understanding how your body processes carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are found in sugar, bread, cereals, fruits and vegetables.  All carbohydrates, with the exception of fiber which is indigestible, are broken down into sugar and the resulting increase of glucose in the bloodstream causes insulin to be released.  Insulin shuttles the glucose to muscle and liver cells resulting in a lowering of blood sugar.

Refined carbohydrates, found in refined flours and sugars, are more easily digested by the body leading to higher levels of blood glucose and a greater insulin response than less processed carbohydrates such as whole grains, beans, fruits and most vegetables.  This heightened insulin response to refined carbohydrates leads to a more rapid decline in blood glucose from peak levels and causes a more rapid return of hunger.